| David's Prom: |
Welcome to our live chat with Nigel Barker, judge and photographer for ANTM. As spokesperson for David's Prom, Nigel is here to answer all your questions about fashion, photography and more. Discover the hottest prom trends, learn how to achieve the red-carpet look, get tips on capturing perfect prom photos. The stage is yours, so step into the limelight! |
| Nigel: |
Hi guys! How are you? I had fun at the Westbury event today. For those of you I saw, it was lovely seeing you. For those of you I didn't, what's going on? |
| Ash: |
Is it hard balancing the work of a photographer with being a father and husband? |
| Nigel: |
No; it is and it isn't. I work to live, I don't live to work. My family is the most important thing to me. Even on "America's Next Top Model" when I go to these exotic locations, I bring my family with me. In fact, my son was born during the shooting of "America's Next Top Model." He's only 2-1/2 years old, and he's a part of the Top Model family now. I think the most important thing you have to remember is who you are and where you came from. Keep your feet on the ground and enjoy your work, but your work is a reflection of what you do, not who you are. |
| Nerida: |
What angle should girls stand at to look best in prom photos? What part of a person do you think defines them in a picture? |
| Nigel: |
I think your personality defines you in a picture. People think that it's all about angles, but it's really about the look in your eyes. So come with confidence and bring your personality. You don't have a good angle, you just have different angles. Depending on your dress, there might be some angles that are better, but ultimately it's about confidence. Pick the gown that fits you, is the right style for you, and that will help you to feel more confident. And confidence is the best thing you can offer for photographs on the red carpet. Failing that, there's always put one foot in front of the other, bend your knee, point your toes, hands on your hips, and chin up in profile. That's your fail-safe. (See Nigel's Photo Tips & Trends) |
| Website Question: |
What do you think is the best style of dresses for girls who have curves and are plus size? |
| Nigel: |
David's Prom has a lot of different gowns for plus-sized and full-figured girls. It depends on your character. Some girls think that they can only fit into certain styles of dresses, but I'm a believer that if you have the personality to pull it off, you can pull off whatever you want. Someone like Queen Latifah is a perfect example. She goes for bright colors and outrageous gowns, but she always shines on the red carpet, no matter what. I think that being said, styles with ruching and stretch fabric might make you feel more comfortable. Also, gowns that accentuate your bust will perhaps take attention away from the areas you're not so fond of. |
| Leeann: |
If you're short, is it OK to wear a long dress, or would it be better to wear a short? |
| Nigel: |
It's always all right to wear a long dress, as it can increase your silhouette. Not to mention you can wear a pair of really high heels and hide them under the gown, thus increasing your height. However, by wearing a shorter dress, perhaps one that's right above the knee or below the knee, you break up your silhouette and it can be very flattering, very girlie, and have an element of sort of sexy chic. Eva Longoria did that last year at the Emmys - she wore a short dress and she looked stunning! (View dresses) |
| YuMiller: |
Do girls have to wear their hair up to look glamorous for prom? How else can I take my everyday look to the next level for a special night? |
| Nigel: |
No, you don't have to wear your hair up. I think it depends on the style of the dress you're wearing. The good thing is when you put your hair up, it accentuates the long neck, which is always pretty, and the accessories you're probably wearing; for example, earrings or necklace. It also helps accentuate your face because your hair is away from your face. You might want to go for a freer look or wilder look. The tousled hair can also work. Again, and I can't drive this point home any harder, it's really about personality and who you are. |
| Bryansgirl: |
How do I make sure my date looks as great as I do? |
| Nigel: |
Are you sure you really want your date to look as good as you do? Go to davidsprom.com and check out Promtourage. It's a great way to help girls visualize and personalize their look, and try on hundreds of different prom dresses and accessories. Your date can also try on different outfits and tuxedos so you can compare what you'll look like with him and see how it's all going to work out. You can even email picture to your friends and see if they approve. One thing is guaranteed: if you shop at David's, you're going to look great. Just make sure your date does too! |
| Zuzzee: |
The theme of my prom is "A Night of Royalty." I decided to wear a silver dress, but I wanted to know if you had any advice on what type of shoes and accessories to wear with it? |
| Nigel: |
Yes, I do. When you're talking about royalty, I think it's good to be subtle and subdued because the whole theme of royalty is always over the top. So I noticed today when I was at a David's store they had these high heeled, clear shoes that looked like glass slippers. They were very delicate and pretty, lending themselves to the Cinderella story. Not to mention they have some beautiful, simple accessories like crystal earrings, bracelets and necklaces that look like they cost millions of dollars when obviously, they won't cost you millions of dollars. By the way, silver is one of the hot colors this season. |
| Megan: |
Hey Nigel, my name is Megan and I am just wondering if yellow is an in color this year?? And what color accessories/shoes would look good with a yellow dress? |
| Nigel: |
Yellow is definitely a vibrant color and one we're seeing on the runways. It's not a common color. On the right skin tone and with the right attitude it's a good color. It's actually my favorite color and always has been. If it's also your favorite color and that's why you're picking it, then go for it. I know that David's has some great yellow gowns. No doubt you're going to shine like the sun at your prom. Again, go for simple and go for understated accessories. With something as bold as a yellow gown you don't need it. Simple diamond stud earrings would look great. Perhaps a brown or beige shoe, or again the clear, sheer high heel would be very pretty. |
| Deena: |
I really want a trendy prom dress but I don't know what is really in style. So what are the best trends this year for prom? |
| Nigel: |
You've got to go online and check out my Tips and Trends at davidsprom.com. I picked my favorite ten. David's has hundreds of dresses to choose from, many of which I've seen on the red carpet and at Fashion Week in New York. So you're in good hands. |
| Telia: |
I am having troubles finding a dress that will look right on me. Do you have any advice on how I can find the perfect dress without spending a ton of money? |
| Nigel: |
This is another Promtourage solution because you can pick your gown, you can also pick your hair color, skin tone, and shape and you can try on multiple dresses online. The great thing about David's Prom is that it's affordable luxury. Fashion doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. |
| Website Question: |
I have a really simple dress. Should I keep my accessories and hair simple too? |
| Nigel: |
I think if you have a simple dress you can afford to be bolder with your jewelry and accessories. Whatever you're doing with your gown you can revert to the opposite with your accessories. It's your chance to show who you are and personalize your look. |
| Poodle: |
What does Prom mean to you? Do they even have Prom in England? |
| Nigel: |
Good question! We don't have Prom, but we do have a high school dance where guys and girls get dressed up. It's very similar to what they do in America. It was one of the most exciting times of my youth, I still remember it to this day. I remember my date and how beautiful she looked. And if you wear some of the gowns they have at David's Prom you will no doubt have the same reaction from your date on the night of the big date. |
| Website Question: |
Hi Nigel - what will be this year's hot colors? I have a fabulous black and white dress that I would like to wear but don't want to be a wallflower among the neon colored dresses. How can I stand out? |
| Nigel: |
You're wearing a black and white dress. Black and white is a classic and happens to be very in right now. You always look great in photographs and it's very stylish. You may not be wearing a show-stopping red or a vibrant green, but black and white always screams Hollywood and fashionista. I don't think you have any worries that you're going to be a wallflower. Just remember to bring a vibrant personality. |
| Petra: |
When will the dresses come out in stores? |
| Nigel: |
The dresses are out in stores. Take a look at your local David's Bridal Prom Store right now. I was just up at Westbury and they had pretty much the entire collection. |
| Sasha: |
Did anyone win the trip yet to come and see you? |
| Nigel: |
No, the contest ends on March 15th and the Prom Court will be narrowed to three finalists between March 18th and 31st, and I will personally select the winner on April 8. We have 5 semifinalists out of 10 so far. So don't dilly-dally, and make sure you send in your photograph and a paragraph about why you think you deserve to win the trip of a lifetime. And believe me, we're going to make it fun! |
| Meghers: |
If you weren't doing photography, what do you think you would be doing? |
| Nigel: |
Well, I was meant to become a doctor. I was a pre-med student right before I started modeling. That being said, I was a fashion design student at the same time, and my love for all things creative was always there. I try not to limit myself to job descriptions and definitions, and always try to push the envelope. "Step outside the box" - that's my motto. |
| Zuthra: |
What are you doing for V-Day on Thursday? |
| Nigel: |
Well, we're getting a baby sitter and I'm going to surprise my wife, but I can't speak too loud because she's in the room. She's raising an eyebrow at me right now. Needless to say, I've got her something nice to wear and plenty of accessories to go with it. |
| Poodle: |
You do a lot of charitable work - how does that make you feel and why is it so important to you? |
| Nigel: |
I think charity is extremely important. My work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation is extremely close to my heart. I grant wishes for girls and boys who are suffering from life threatening illnesses. The opportunity to help them and provide a day of fun and enjoyment that will make them smile is an incredible opportunity for me more than anyone. I believe we all have the ability to be a star and to be a hero and to get out there and help. It's about not just talking about it, but actually doing it. Actions speak louder than words. Bottom line is when you have celebrity through a show like "America's Next Top Model," you also become a role model. And thus it's important to make a difference whenever you can. |
| Rindy16: |
Do you have any tips on entering the contest - essay and/or photo? |
| Nigel: |
It's very important that the essay, the paragraph you submit, doesn't just talk about your accomplishments but also what you hope to achieve and your dreams. I think personally what I'm really looking for isn't just straight A students. I'm looking for someone who has heart and soul. The more you can relay your story and your dreams in your paragraph, the better we'll get to know you and be able to decide who should be the winner. As far as the photograph goes, not too pose-y. Well actually, if you're a poser, be a poser. Be yourself. |
| Flustered: |
Even with the red-eye reduction option, my pictures always have red eye! Advice?!?!
|
| Nigel: |
It's one of those problems with digital cameras. The best thing I could suggest is take your photographs in a room with lots of light, or take the picture outside. Red eye is caused when your pupils dilate because you're in a low light situation. The flash bounces off your eyes, creating red eye. So the more light in the room, the less of a problem that will be. |
| Georgina: |
What is ruching? |
| Nigel: |
Ruching is when the fabric is gathered together in order to help create shape. I'm not sure the exact technical wording for it. It's basically pleating or gathering, used when you want to create shape in a dress. There's a beautiful teal charmeuse gown that David's is offering right now that is one of my favorites with ruching up the back. It really accentuates the lower back and the physique no matter how curvaceous you are. |
| Tiffany: |
I have a scar...should I show it or try to hide it? |
| Nigel: |
If you're proud of your scar, show it. Personally, I think scars are a part of who we are and our story and our journey. You know, if you don't like it, most computers have the ability to retouch the scar out pretty quickly. Covering a scar with makeup can be difficult and if not done well can actually accentuate the issue. It's really probably bigger in your mind than anyone else's. |
| Ash: |
What has been your greatest experience as a photographer or model? |
| Nigel: |
That's a very large question! As a photographer, I guess the greatest experience was photographing my first-born son. No matter how prepared you think you are, you can never be prepared for that moment. And as a model, I think one of the most exciting times I ever had was doing my first job for Valentino and getting to meet the designer himself in Rome, and actually having direction from him and his team. And working on a campaign that was very successful. The chance to work with one of the greatest minds in the industry was an opportunity I'll never forget. |
| Gothgirl: |
I was just wondering how I can look unique without looking too far out there? |
| Nigel: |
You know what? Even if you turn up at Prom and you're wearing a gown that two other girls are wearing, you can still look unique. Make sure that you, once again, bring your personality. Bring your smile. And don't forget, accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. It could be a little clutch, could be earrings, a necklace from your grandmother. But you can make it your own. With your own flare I've no doubt you can turn it out. It's very common with magazines like OK! and In Touch to discuss celebrities wearing the same gowns on the red carpet and who managed to rock it. Ultimately, it comes down to who felt best in it. If you feel good then you'll look good. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. |
| Cheetah: |
What kind of dress should I buy that makes my arms look thinner? |
| Nigel: |
Get a gown that draws attention away to another part of your body. A slit up the side that shows your leg, or whatever part you like. Perhaps a deep plunging back, or beading around the waist. I would avoid a strapless dress. |
| Katie: |
Nigel, my mother would like to know how old you are and I would like to know what prompted you to turn from modeling to being a photographer? |
| Nigel: |
I am 35 years old. I was a model in the late 80s, and then in the 90s the grunge look came in. I'm 6'4", a healthy looking guy, and my look went out the window. Anyway, I was always a bit of a control freak who loved taking pictures. So I decided to use my knowledge that I'd picked up over the past 8 to 10 years as the subject, and become the photographer. |
| Mariam: |
Dear Nigel, I was just wondering what helpful tips you would give for a young and starting photographer. I have experience taking photographs for yearbook and many years in photo, but after taking pictures of my friends for their bands and such, I don't know what else to do. Help!
|
| Nigel: |
It's a very tough business. It's the dawn of the digital era, and there are a lot of people taking pictures. You just have to keep on practicing. Although criticism is good, you also have to believe in what you do. Photography is an art form, despite its accessibility. So just keep at it, refine your art, and you don't need to ask whether it's good or not. You'll just know. |
| Music Diva: |
Did you see the dresses and suits at the Grammys? Did you spot any trends? |
| Nigel: |
I was the fashion correspondent at FOX TV for the Grammys. And yes there are lots of different trends. One of the things about that event is that there's a lot of different personalities there, too, and a lot of egos. There's nothing more powerful than a great gown that says who you are. I know for sure that if you go to davidsprom.com there's a dress with your name on it, because they have literally hundreds of styles to pick from. Some of the big things that are in this year are silver and gold hues with sparking sequins and shimmering embroidery. There's a lot of black and white gowns, which are always a classic fail safe. Then there's always those that want to make a dramatic statement and go for the brighter colors. It's really up to you. |
| Paige: |
How did you make a name for yourself amongst all the other photographers in the business? |
| Nigel: |
It's always very important to not burn any bridges, and to be proud of what you do. Just work hard and keep at it. I spent many years working from 7 in the morning until 10 at night, seven days a week, taking pictures, editing, working on post-production, doing all I could to get myself out there. Nothing comes easy in life and there's no magic potions for success. Just go for it and don't stop until you reach the top. |
| Priss: |
If you are going for a red carpet look for less, how should you achieve it without going over your budget? |
| Nigel: |
That depends on what your budget is. But if affordable luxury is what you're looking for, if you go to David's Bridal Prom or davidsprom.com you can buy dresses starting at $99 that look like there should be a couple of extra zeros added on. Luxury and looking like a fashionista does not have to be expensive. With the David's Prom collection you can afford to have multiple looks and still be in budget. And you'll always look chic. |
| David's Prom: |
Nigel, thank you so much for being here today to answer so many questions! We're almost out of time for this chat - do you have anything you'd like to add, before we have to close? |
| Nigel: |
Make sure to log on to davidsprom.com and check out all my tips and trends, behind the scenes footage of the making of the ad campaign, and enter to win the photo shoot of a lifetime, the makeover, styling, hair, makeup from my Glam Squad and the David's prom dress of your choice. I hope to see you soon!
|
| David's Prom: |
Nigel and David's Prom thank you all for attending our live chat. Don't worry if your question to Nigel didn't get answered, we've got another chat coming up in March.
Check out the latest prom fashions, including Nigel's Top Picks.
Create your perfect prom look and invite your friends to join your Promtourage.
Sign up for emails and enter our Glamour Girl for a Day contest.
Shop online with confidence see each gorgeous dress in motion before you buy.
Find a store near you, it's easy with over 280 locations nationwide.
|
