B.W. COOK -- The Look

The social season on the Orange Coast is officially in swing. And what

better way to dazzle the crowd than with a grand entrance in the perfect

ball gown. Who said Cinderella was just a fairy tale?

Cinderella lives, albeit perhaps with a slightly redefined version of

Prince Charming in waiting. Regardless of the hair loss of the Prince, or

worse yet, the tax loss of his investments in the dot.com global ventures

arena, there is still time for redemption if the perfect gown is selected

and purchased for the season to be worn by his fair lady.

Penny Newman, the grand gal in charge of Nordstrom’s couture

department invited a few hundred of her closest and dearest friends for a

little cocktail and viewing party recently at the store in South Coast

Plaza.

Newman and her Nordstrom partners transformed a section of the massive

retail center into a very elegant New York-feeling club for the show. It

was a very glam evening enjoyed by the ladies and gents supporting the

Orange County Performing Arts Center’s upcoming Candlelight Concert.

Over the next few weeks, The Look will peek at the formal attire

available on the coast this season. We begin with Nordstrom and their

bevy of professional models.

1. From Melinda Eng, this fuschia-colored and gathered strapless top

($825) and skirt ($1,375) are sold separately. There is also a wrap

available in the same silk fabric.

2. Donna Karan presents this very sexy chili-colored halter gown

($1,375).

3. This black velvet gown with lace sleeves and fur trim at the cuffs

comes from San Carlin and sells for $3,030.

4. Animal prints are very much in fashion. This Oscar de la Renta

leopard print gown sells for $5,400.

5. Richard Tyler is a major name in couture dressing. This

clay-striped gown sells for $2,500.

6. This elegant Vera Wang champagne strapless gown is priced at

$7,400.

7. A true Cinderella gown by Stephen Yearick, this silver-beaded

concoction sells for $3,520.

8. Another classic from Richard Tyler, this bordeaux-strapless gown

($1,950) also comes with a wrap, sold separately.