Gowns

You shall go to the ball...
Ravens, Southend’s original family-run department store, is adding an extra dimension to its formal wear this spring with a wide selection of elegant prom and ball gowns.

Comprising an extensive collection of ball gowns and cocktail dresses in a cascade of colours and luxurious fabrics, there’s something for every young woman to wear on her special occasion.

The range includes all manner of enchanting creations – slim fitting or voluminous, with beaded bodices, chiffon stoles, diamante motifs and embroidered silk. And with prices starting at £95, you can dress to impress whether it’s for the school prom or a masked ball – the choice is yours.

Ravens, the county’s premier stockists for mens formal wear hire for over 100 years, has introduced these stunning dresses at the request of customers, many of whom have hired and purchased mens clothing for weddings, balls, proms and other formal occasions. Currently the store has over 50 gowns situated on the first floor alongside the womenswear department, and anticipates, in response to early success, that the range will increase and evolve continuously.

Marian Raven, who introduced the newly-expanded and popular womenswear department in 2002, explained the reason behind the augmentation of the store’s formal wear offering to include a ranger for ladies: “More and more schools, colleges and universities are holding formal balls and we were supplying clothes for men for these occasions, whilst being unable to dress women accordingly. I must say it is really thrilling to have so many beautiful dresses in our collection now, particularly with summer coming, as they are so vibrant and eye-catching. That’s nothing to how good they look on, however”, she added.

Queen Carly, Southend Carnival Queen 2006 is one of the first young ladies to be wearing a Ravens ball gown.