Bold colours for matric dance season

Parents willing to spend up to R25 000 on gowns

WHILE the matric year is all about concentrating on academics, a highlight on every matric pupil’s calendar is the matric ball.

It’s matric dance season, and unlike in the past, it now comes with a big price tag. Girls are ordering designer gowns, booking hair and make-up stylists, nail technicians, photographers for their pre-dance photo shoot and arranging pre-event drinks and cocktail snacks.

Those with two left feet also attend dance classes. An independent Johannesburg school recently gave their Grade 12 pupils dance lessons for their upcoming matric dance.

Preya Chetty, mother of a Grade 12 pupil at Eden

College, said matric dances now were like a mini wedding.

“Parents try to make it a momentous occasion. Each child has their own photographer so all the attention is on them.

“Having spoken to most mums, everyone’s spending thousands of rand for that day,” said Chetty, of Malvern.

She said the parents were organising a pre-drinks event at the Hilton Hotel where parents and extended family get to attend and share in the special day before the matric pupils go off to their dance.

Chetty’s daughter, Hannah, said everyone was looking forward to the night, which she said was a significant part of their matric year.

“It’s like a big reveal because the main attraction, which is the dress, is kept a secret. I am looking forward to enjoying the evening with my friends,” she said.

Nadine Pillay, of Nadine Designs in Chatsworth, said parents were willing to spend from R5500 to R25000 on the dress, depending on the design, fabric and style.

She said girls were looking for dresses that were classy, classic, red carpet-style that had a modern and edgy look.

“And there are those that want the whimsical, fairytale dress. This year’s trends are loads of floral whimsical, princess ball gown which is an all-time favourite.

“Then you get those that want to lead rather than follow, clean with a futuristic flare. I see a lot of red as well this season. A lot of the girls are moving toward overseas trends but taking their figures into great consideration,” she said.

Pillay said she had been taking orders for this season’s matric dance since December last year.

She said she also offered girls the opportunity to hire gowns, ranging from R800 to R2500.

Somayya Khan, a make-up artist, said the matric dance season had become almost like a MET gala event.

“There is a lot of hype. This year I see the girls are going for bright colours. In the past they were more subtle and wanted lighter shades. Now it’s the bold look with bright colours, glitter and winged eye-liner is such a trend.

“Now it’s all about the kind of entrance they make, more elaborate,” said Khan.