Ball season: Red-carpet renaissance

Off-the-shoulder gowns, sophisticated up-dos and some rather raunchy entertainment can only mean one thing - ball season. Julie Jacobson looks at how to prepare for the big night out.
When Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's bete noir, teenager Karima El Mahroug, turned up at the famous Vienna Opera Ball on the arm of a local millionaire, it did more than raise a few well-groomed eyebrows. It also thrust the much-overlooked and splendidly elegant night out back into the limelight.
More than 300 balls are held in Austria during that country's "ball season", with March's Opera Ball - the one attended by "Ruby the Heart Stealer" Mahroug - being the most famous and, from all accounts, most outrageous. Former guests have included Bill Clinton, burlesque queen Dita von Teese and socialite Paris Hilton.
The annual Costume Institute Gala, known as the Met ball and said to outstrip the Oscars in its exclusivity, was held on Monday. Attendees included such luminaries as Anna Wintour, Colin Firth and Stella McCartney. Another big-noter, singer Janet Jackson, whose nipple slip during an appearance at the Super Bowl in 2004 would undoubtedly have outraged most serious ball-goers, is guest of honour at the Life Ball, taking place at Vienna's City Hall on May 21.
Tauranga is also hosting a ball on that night - and one at which Von Teese wouldn't be out of place. The 2011 Charity Ball is being heralded as a "night of fantasy and decadence, where Moulin Rouge meets burlesque". To be held at Mills Reef Winery, the sold-out event is a fundraiser for Tauranga Hospital.
Previously rather staid affairs (school after-parties are a different beast altogether), today's balls, while still more formal that the average, are taking on a somewhat more risque flavour.
Case in point - masquerade balls. At Chateau Tongariro's annual masked ball last month ($315 single, $420 double) guests were treated to live entertainment and dinner, and, for afters, a bed and breakfast; another being held in Rotorua later this month as part of Motorsport Auckland's annual Snowball Run promises a massive buffet dinner, luge-riding and "hard partying"; while the Deutz Masquerade Burlesque Ball in Queenstown in June includes a "spectacular" and "spellbinding" burlesque floor show a la Christina Aguilera. And last night's WONs Charity Ball at SkyCity saw guests mingling with a bevy of very glamorous female impersonators.
All this decadence, of course, has resulted in a renewed interest in "dressing for the ball". It's no longer enough to just wash your hair and put on your best dress and jewellery. Like raceday, ball night calls for hours of preparation. There's the hair - up or down? - the nails, the shoes, the makeup - bold eyes, nude lips, or red pout, subtle lids? - and the frock. We asked those in the know for some tips on this season's looks.
The dress

Style consultant Angela Stone says this season's ball dress is feminine and sophisticated, strapless and "floor-sweepingly long - dresses that look like artwork embellished with gemstones, trimmed with lace, or pleated in satin or organza with lots of texture".
She says elegance is the key and that, yes, there is a difference between clubwear and ballwear. While the entertainment may be OTT, "a ball is a special occasion. It is not a 21st or a pub crawl, so nothing too short or see-through."
For those on a budget, indulge fashion editor Susan Edmunds suggests updating a favourite dress with creative accessories - a statement necklace, a brightly coloured wrap, killer heels - and, if you're planning to attend several balls, go for a classically elegant, well-cut dress that you can transform with different pieces.
"If you are not going to have many other occasions to wear your dress, pick up something cheap and trendy and don't worry if you never get another chance to bring it out of the wardrobe," Edmunds says.
"Have fun with bright colours and daring cuts - shops such as Pagani are great for this. Short dresses tend to be more versatile than full-length gowns."
Second-hand shops are another source of cheap but glitzy dresses, as are outlet stores and the internet, she says.
Says Miranda Cobb, owner and buyer for Evolution Clothing: "Women no longer feel they have to wear traditional long gowns and instead are opting for dresses that are more cocktail-style.
"Wear a body-con, one-shoulder or cut-out number and team with a pair of killer heels. Leave the black at home and go for bold colours and prints that will pop under the dancefloor lights. Velvet, lace and chiffon are also key trends."
Caroline Marr, founder and creative director of The Carpenters Daughter fashion label, notes that fur vests are this season's fashion-forward trend, as is Cheap chic
Sparkle and shine

"Go for a cropped-cut vest for the most flattering look, which will emphasise the waist, and look for a sexy lace dress that has a fluted skirt bottom. Wear it with a fitted knee-length slip or dress underneath so that your skin peeps through, and add extra slimming length to your torso by accessorising with a long necklace. High heels are essential."
Other trends include one-shoulder dresses, mermaid silhouettes - fitted through the hips and flared below - and decorative, open backs.
Marr also anticipates the following three looks to be making more than a few appearances this season.
Fever

High-shine, opulent fabrics are a ball favourite for a reason - when else do you get to do high glamour? Take to the floor with a slinky style that will celebrate your womanly curves. Opt for a tailored, fitted dress and think about how to layer with a sheer over-piece to soften the silhouette.
Animal Instinct

Shivering without a warm cover-up is very unbecoming. A cropped, luxurious jacket - especially with faux fur - says high-class chic so effortlessly. The shorter length means you can put your cover-up on throughout the evening as temperatures fluctuate.
Sing Me The Blues

Blue is one of the hottest colours of the season. Look for bias-cut pieces, because they define curves in all the right places. A duster coat in a vibrant colour will also add an extra slinky layer to your look, creating a lengthening effect. Big, bold jewellery is still making its mark for winter, so don't be shy - make a statement. A splash of sequins won't go amiss either.
The hair
With 60s looks in the spotlight once again, a sophisticated up-do as worn by the very chic Audrey Hepburn is this year's reigning hair trend.
However, for those wanting something a little less formal, the new Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, offers the perfect inspiration. The half-up, half-down style she chose for her wedding ceremony is a sexy, low-maintenance look easily achieved at home.
Jason Davies of Adoux Hair says sleek chignons, sweeping side parts and low, asymmetric ponytails twisted into ballerina-style buns are hot looks for 2011.
"Variety is essential," Davies says. "No one wants to go to the ball and find out they look identical to the person sitting next to them, so it's really a case of creating something that is really about you.
"For example, if you have straight hair that is cut into a chin-level bob, try having it hot-rollered to give it a fuller, more glamorous appearance. People with shoulder-length or longer hair can have it twisted, braided, crimped, tonged, and wear it up or down.
"We can expect to see a lot more women opting to wear their hair down, but with a difference - one area pinned up as a focal point and accessorised with a hair broach or fascinator."
Award-winning stylist and Schwarzkopf Professional global "long hair" ambassador Bret Holmes, of Tauranga's The Salon By Design, agrees, noting that a topknot ponytail is a slick, sexy look that imparts height and presence without the need for a headpiece. Feathers can be added to the back of the knot for extra drama.
Here, Holmes explains how to achieve three different styles. The carefree but glamorous "O Look", is achieved using heated rollers; the others are his updated interpretation of the classic French roll.
Prepping tips: Styling is best done by a professional. If you want to do it yourself, prep your hair first by washing and conditioning the ends. Dry until it's about 80 per cent dry and apply a volumising mousse. Finish drying but don't straighten, and don't style in the bathroom - steam will affect the finish look.
Side Twist Ponytail
1. Prep the hair as above and use Velcro rollers for a soft curl if you have time.
2. Comb the hair to one side and gather into a ponytail.
3.Twist the hair around and then push it up. Use long bobby pins to secure. Finish with hairspray.
The O Look
1. Take sections of the hair, combing and applying a fine layer of hairspray to each.
2. Heat each roller and put into sections, one at a time.
3. Finish with another fine mist of hairspray and let the whole head cool entirely (10-15 minutes).
4. Remove the rollers carefully. Avoid pulling on the hair.
5. Shake the head gently and use your fingers to "style" your curls (avoid brushing).
 Topknot Ponytail
1. To very clean hair, add a small amount of the latest "dust" technology to your locks (available in salons).
2.Take a small, circular section of hair at the top of the head, smooth with a comb and tie into a ponytail.
3.Take a second circular section of hair and work up on to the top of the head around the first ponytail, paying special attention to the root area. Secure with a second band around the first.
4.Take remaining hair up and around the first two ponytails in the same way, smoothing the roots as you go.
5. Smooth the entire ponytail and work into a sophisticated shape on the top of your head. Secure with bobby pins and finish with hairspray.
• See night makeup tips here.