Glass slipper will fit for several Cinderellas

Lolita Harper

It is a night glorified in movies, trumpeted in magazines and feared

by loving fathers everywhere: prom night.

It is a night to dress up, be treated like a princess and cherish

for a lifetime, said organizers of the Cinderella for Life program,

which gives prom dresses to about 350 young women who cannot afford

them.

Nobody should be forced to miss such a special occasion because of

financial difficulties, said program creator Jerri Rosen, also the

founder and director of Working Wardrobes, which helps women dress

for success.

“This event allows teenage girls in economic need to attend their

high school prom in first-class fashion,” Rosen said.

Cache, an upscale boutique on the second floor of South Coast

Plaza, agreed to donate 200 dresses, as well as various accessories

such as earrings, necklaces and purses -- all totaling about $10,000,

officials said.

The beautiful dresses hung daintily on their racks in the South

Coast Plaza store while managers Brandi Shultz and Julie Nelson

ensured they were properly primed for presentation to the potential

prom princesses. Once prepared, the dresses will be shipped to

Cinderella headquarters, where a few mice and birds will be sure to

inventory them.

OK. Not really. But the volunteers at “Working Wardrobes” will tag

and label them for the girls.

Various hues and textures of luxurious materials hung limp from

their hangers at Cache, just waiting to be brought to life by a new

owner. Slinky black floor-length dresses hung next to cascading,

full-skirt dresses, which contrasted with the sassy short cocktail

dresses.

The sheen of satin vied for attention with the sparkle of sequins,

while the sheer elegance of silk was content with its modest

lavishness. Each dress flaunted its distinct characteristics and

provided a perfect array for a group of Cinderellas.

Glass slippers are not included.

What is included, besides clothing for prom, is a series of

courses for the 350 participants that will help them to enjoy the

event to the fullest, officials said.

After attending etiquette sessions, skin and health care classes

and “life choices” lectures, “Cinderella for Life” program

participants will be allowed to choose a “dream dress.”

* LOLITA HARPER writes columns Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

and covers culture and the arts. She may be reached at (949) 574-4275

or by e-mail at [email protected].