With spring in full swing, bridal designers are showcasing their newest quinceañera gowns with styles to match every señorita’s fantasy.
Dozens of designers, vendors and artists showed the latest quince trends at the Mardi Gras Casino Bridal and Quinceañera Expo in Hallandale.
The glamorous tulle and lace fabrics are still staples, but the surprise this year is an icy trend. Young Latinas are now taking cues from Disney’s latest hit.
“Frozen the movie has been really big this year,” said Lilian Zayas Llanos, one of South Florida’s quinceañera experts.
Zayas Llanos has been in the business of quinceañera dresses for more than 18 years. On any given day, the Zayas Bridal showroom in Hialeah is filled with excited teenagers, as they sort through miles of delicate fabrics in the search for the perfect gown.
“It’s still a fairytale type of event, and the girls now come in asking to look like Elsa, or the classic Belle or Cinderella,” she said.
According to Zayas Llanos, the “Frozen effect” is making girls opt for blues and colder hues, instead of just the typical ivories and pastels.
Her shop is even working on a customized dress with a cape, inspired by the queen of ice.
Mardi Gras themed parties are also electrifying the color palette.
“This year we are seeing more colors than ever before,” she said. “Now the girls aren’t afraid of mixing bright colors like fuchsia or green with purple.”
Those bold colors are also being incorporated into the “Ombre” trend, with gowns featuring delicate gradients from brighter hues to white.
The eye-catching gowns wouldn’t be complete, without a sparkly tiara.
“The tiara makes the look,” said Stephanie Alvarado from Izzy Brie Jewelry. “That’s what makes them feel like a princess.”
Some headpieces are inspired by celebrity looks, such as Kim Kardashian’s wedding headband with a middle-eastern feel.
Pop culture is also influencing this year’s hair and make-up trends.
“Now they ask for what I like to call Victoria’s Secret hair, with modern lose waves,” said hair and make-up artist Ann Marie Macko.
According to Macko, when quinceañeras do request the more traditional updos, retro styles are all the rage. She specializes in voluminous yet soft hairstyles with “Veronica Lake” waves.
The glamour is also kicked-up a notch with red lipstick making a come back, paired with natural-looking lashes.
At the end of the day however, Mamá always knows best.
“The biggest difference with quinceañeras [from brides] is the make-up application,” said Macko. “Moms and dads still want to see their daughters looking age-appropriate.”
From Ombre to Disney, splashes of color are what’s in this year, as young Latina debutantes decide to save white for the other most important day of their lives.
