Hello,

My name is Erin Donahue. I am a senior at East Brunswick High School, NJ. I would like to submit my sketches for the 'Free 2010 Prom Dress of your Own Design' contest. I am very proud to say that these are my original sketches and I submit to all the terms and conditions of the competition. I am enthusiastic about this dress because it contains trends from 2009-2010, but this dress is all about being different from the majority creations.

I was first inspired by Guy Laroche's dress Hilary Swank wore to the 2005 Oscar awards. By having an exposed back, it has a sophistication to it without it being overly provocative. I want the focus to be more on the back than the cleavage. Going with the popular trend, it is similar to a Grecian gown and the design at the bust is like a princess cut except it has "cat eye" points to give the dress an "edgy" touch. It’s like a strapless dress, so the torso area is rather stiff to make sure the dress stays up, and there is a built in bra of course. Another trend that's incorporated into this dress is that it is a one shoulder strap that starts from the middle of the bust, over the right shoulder, but a twist is that it crosses diagonally to end at the left waist. Its width is about 2 1/2 inches and this strap is to ensure support that the dress wouldn't fall.

The main color I want is a "Russian Blue" – a color rarely used for prom dresses, and it will have two layers: the lining of the dress would be opaque (as every liner is) & the top layer is translucent of the Russian blue. The color of the strap that crosses the back and the outline part at the waist would be metallic silver.

Having a floor length is a must because I have never had a chance to wear one. A difference from most dresses that have an A-line opening is that I would like the dress to open up at the right side of the dress. It would open approximately mid thigh. This would be a straight line dress, but "flowy" for free movement of the legs. The fabric to execute that type of freedom could be silk, for the lining, and charmeuse, or chiffon, for the translucent layer on top.

Thank You for your consideration. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Erin Donahue