Morton Grove Firm Designs Prom Dresses

As girls across the suburbs slip into their prom dresses – be they bedecked and bedazzled with rhinestones, or lacy or sleek – few of them have any idea that their outfits may have originated right in Morton Grove.

Alyce Paris, a company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of prom dresses and other evening wear, has made its home in the suburb since 1967.

Earlier:

This year’s dresses are following a number of hot trends, according to Alyce Paris,  including:

• Bluemania, with Tiffany and hyacinth blues in pure tones or ombre effects. 
• Flower Power. Feminine yet bold, flowers are bigger than ever in floral prints or appliqued right onto the gown.
• Lacy and Racy, with lace effects and lace-like patterns on tulle and see-through fabrics.
• Fancy Pants, with long, flowing skirts in absolutely ultra-sheer fabrics overlaying cute, boy shorts and sequined rompers.
• Peek a Boo gowns with high slits for showing off legs and ease of movement.
• Waist Not Want Not styles reveal both sides of the waist in curvy “cut out” midriffs or sheer, net fabrics.
• Short Story, a trend about short silhouettes with flourishes at the hemline like feathers, fringe, tiers of ruffles, and ballet tutus.
• Going Wild, with peacock patterns and leopard prints, even in colors that aren’t typically seen in nature.
• “Ba Da Bling” prom gowns are bedecked and patterned all over in fully beaded, sequined and rhinestoned dresses, both long and short.

“To track girls’ preferences, we identify winning, youthful, fashion trends and tirelessly research changing expectations. When a prom girl buys an Alyce dress, she feels like she’s wearing a unique gown made especially to fit her body and personality,” said Claudine Hamm, chief operating officer, creative director and principal designer.

Hamm’s aunt, Alyce Hamm, opened Alyce Designs in 1967. Its headquarters moved to Morton Grove in 1989. 

“The location offered the huge space we needed for our then dominant domestic manufacturing needs,” Claudine Hamm said. “The Chicagoland location also offers a balance between the influences of the New York City and West Coast fashion hubs.”

Since then, the manufacturing process has moved to China. The Morton Grove headquarters includes the warehouse for all the dresses before they are shipped to boutiques and specialty stores, as well as the home of the design, financial and customer service staffs.

 According to Alyce Paris’ market research, girls have been shopping for their May proms for weeks already, visiting upwards or four stores and spending $250 to $600 or more, even in a stagnant economy.

“Tougher times necessitate tighter pockets but girls will always buy a prom dress,” she said. “They may not spend as much as in prior years, but they will buy a beautiful dress.

"We also consider silhouette, trend, and price point to satisfy their needs. Fortunately, we’ve never compromised on our quality, styling, tailoring or construction.”

In the Chicago area, girls can find a wide selection of Alyce dresses at Fit 2B Tied, 2720 N. Harlem Ave., Elmwood Park (708) 583-1500; Peaches, 5915 S. Archer Ave., Chicago (773) 582-0102; and Shelley’s Bridal Couture, 104 W. Main  St., West Dundee, (847) 426-5806.

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