Sweet 18th Debut Feature!

A debut is a Philippine cultural tradition when they throw a big party to honor their daughter as a woman. This is done at her 18th birthday. Similar to the Latin American culture of a "Quinceañera" celebration.
In a debut, the celebrant can complete her entourage by  hand-picking 18 people known as "court". These 18 courts are 9 males and 9 females who the celebrant pairs off into partners. However, other people have chosen elders as their court members, also known to be "sponsors".
The celebrant's court usually wears a uniform formal outfit chosen by the celebrant similar to that of a wedding party, while the celebrant typically wears an extravagant ball gown.

Tria chose a Beaded One Shoulder Chiffon Dress for her girls to match her color scheme. A few girls needed minor adjustments or none at all. However, there was one girl from the party  that put me to the test.

THE SOLUTION:

1. Hem two layers
2. Close up front bust area
3. Shorten beaded straps
4. Take in sides

One girl was a little top heavy and closing in the front bust area would just make the bust feel squeezed. It will also reveal a little too much. Therefore, utilizing every fabric I had  from hemming her dress, I attached an additional panel on her bust area. (You may not be able to see it well on this picture, but a pleated panel was added on the left hand side).

Tria's Entourage

PARTY GUESTS*

Joann wanted a formal dress to wear for her Goddaughter's cotillion. She chose a Silver Sweetheart Beaded Lace Dress that suited her figure.  

THE SOLUTION:

1. Take in bust area
2. Hem 2 layers of dress--(length not to be too short), while leaving the train --- (at the back).
   
   
   Joann rocked that dress so well that night!

Lulu was the Pianist that night so as the guests entered the reception, she was the first person they saw, so, of course she wanted to find something elegant, simple and comfortable.She went with a Beaded Halter Chiffon Dress. Since Lulu is top heavy, she wanted to find a dreess that will hold her up comfortable, so she chosse  this halter top dress, which gave her more support than a strapless gown.

THE SOLUTION:

1. Take in sides
2. Hem two layers
3. Shorten beaded halter straps
4. Tack front close

Lulu looked beautiful in her Royal Blue Gown.

** All dresses & accessories were purchased from STYLE 4 U / BODY ACCESSORY 5638 W. DEMPSTER, MORTON GROVE, IL 60053  --- Hair & Makeup; May Villanueva.