NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- New York is saying Yes to the Prom!
TLC's "Say Yes to the Prom" initiative, in its eighth year, helps deserving teens achieve the prom looks of their dreams by eliminating the financial burden. It works with 1,000 students across five cities. The last stop on their tour is March 28 in New York.
1010 WINS' Elizabeth Sherwood spoke with Monte Durham, the Fashion Director of TLC's SAY YES TO THE DRESS: ATLANTA, about his mentorship in the program.
Mr. Durham says the crowd goes wild when he gets on stage. In Denver, someone in the crowd loved his jacket - so, they switched clothes. After a brief video message from Oprah, they get to work.
The students shop around for their looks, choosing between hundreds of dresses donated by Macy's, the event's retail partner, and tuxedos donated by Men's Wearhouse. They next have a one-on-one style session with Mr. Durham. They go in front of the "Monte Mirror" and they look together at the gowns or suits and discuss what styles they like and don't like.
"I'm there for them, I'm in the racks with them, I'm over with the guys shooting basketball... so we truly do have a one-on-one," he told 1010 WINS.
It's very similar to what they do on SAY YES TO THE DRESS: ATLANTA. They also have time for hair and makeup with help from stylists from Paul Mitchell Schools and jewelry from Kendra Scott.
While we may think that prom dresses are the same year by year, Mr. Monte told 1010 WINS that the styles change. Some of the trends for prom dresses this year include less beading, more solid colors, straighter dresses, and muted tones. And for the tuxedos: black, blue, and even burgundy.
Macy's designed twenty dresses specifically for this graduating class, the remaining dresses go to Becca's Closet, an organization that gives dresses to other deserving students.
Mr. Durham's role in the event is to help the students perfect their prom looks, but also to talk with them about their ambitions.
"They are confident, they're strong, they're telling me what they are going to do and the differences they are going to make in their community and their family and in the world. It's just amazing to watch that confidence build and grow within a very short time frame," he told 1010 WINS.
He says the stylists are also there to encourage them to continue their education. They make a point to speak with the students about internships and opportunities at Discovery Communications, the parent company of SAY YES TO THE DRESS.
"In a couple hours, these students are totally changed."