A Prom Redo: How We Re-imagined the Classic High School Event As a Pride Month Celebration
So many events from the past year have been cancelled, postponed or held virtually. But suddenly, we’re celebrating everything, all at once.
For New York-based photographer Hunter Abrams, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, this Pride month is an opportunity to dress up and celebrate, and also to revisit an event that they never experienced: high school prom.
“I did not go to my prom,” they recall. “I regret it a little bit. [This shoot] really came about from looking at what I wish I had when I was a queer teen and what I wanted to see in the world in terms of the fashion industry supporting its next generation and also just bringing more creativity to what teens are wearing.”
But, of course, Abrams wasn’t itching to recreate a cafeteria filled with room-temperature punch. Instead, the idea was to re-imagine prom as an event that is inclusive, joyous, truly stylish, and over-the-top fabulous.
They drew inspiration from their prom fantasy. “My dream prom would be a rave, but everyone’s in Marie Antoinette garb, and it’s in Versailles, but there’s one of those foam or paint party things happening,” explains Abrams. “It’s just like Sofia Coppola meets Euphoria.”
In place of French and Hollywood royalty, Abrams and The RealReal recruited fashion industry insiders, including legendary runway coach Miss J Alexander, TRR’s editorial manager Alex Tudela, and fashion designer Willie Norris, and paired each with a mentee from the Hetrick-Martin Institute. The wardrobe, of course, was modernized, too, including pieces from brands like Christopher John Rogers, Dries Van Noten, Givenchy, and Molly Goddard.
Unlike a typical high school prom, which comes with conservative dress codes that details what students can and cannot wear, this prom-themed shoot was all about real personal style. To prepare for their moment in front of the lens, our guests teamed up into duos and styled each other in the looks that made them feel most proud. And isn’t that at the essence of what Pride Month is about?
Meet the cast of our fantasy prom here:
All photography by Hunter Abrams.
Miss J Alexander
Did you go to prom?
No, I did not. I didn’t have a thing to wear.
What did you love about today’s shoot?
My favorite part today was just doing what I do every day, getting dressed up, being around fabulous people.
What does pride mean to you?
Being authentically myself, which I’ve been since birth.
Aniel Gonzalez
What does pride mean to you?
It’s what I am, it’s who I am, it’s what I represent. I was actually born on pride. Every year, I celebrate really hard. What pride means to me is I was born.
Tell us about your experience with the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
I’m an alumni now, but it was a beautiful experience. To be honest, I wouldn’t do drag if it wasn’t for HMI. I wouldn’t be able to do this if it wasn’t for HMI. They did a lot for me, so they mean a lot to me.
Alex Tudela
The RealReal Editorial Manager, Men’s, Home & Art
Did you go to prom?
I did go to prom as a senior in high school. I just went with a bunch of friends. I didn’t really treat it as a date night. I thought of it more as a moment for my closest friends just to have fun together, do some dancing, and have a good night like that. What I liked about today’s shoot is that it’s more of a fantasy kind of prom. I definitely liked dressing up, trying some more glittery items. For my prom as a senior [in high school], I wore a much, much more traditional tuxedo, so I wanted to switch that up. I still wore a suit, but with more sparkly references instead.
What does pride mean to you?
Pride means for me to embrace a community. It’s to build self-confidence by having the right group around you, having the right support systems around you and having community support your confidence.
What has it been like working with your mentee?
It’s been nice to meet Lucas! But it’s also been nice to understand what he feels comfortable in and try to elevate that for this kind of special occasion by giving him these special pieces that we found.
Lukas Petroski
What was this shoot like for you? How did you pick your prom outfit?
It was a very good atmosphere just being here. It made me feel more confident and stuff like that because I don’t really dress up, or go out super dressed. Being around here, it just made me feel very comfortable. It was really fun working with Alex and trying to figure out what to wear, because we tried on a couple of things. We both really liked this jacket that I’m wearing, and we just went from there.
What does pride mean to you?
I think it’s just being yourself. And it sounds cheesy, but I think it’s about building a family in all honesty. I know that when you’re coming out, stuff like that is really stressful. So knowing there’s a community out there that you can fall back on, not just during pride month.
Tell us about your experience with Hetrick-Martin Institute?
It means a lot because I was having trouble finding a program to get my GED, and they had so many resources. It was amazing because I was able to get my GED fast! And then I had this opportunity too, which is amazing. It has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Willie Norris
Fashion designer
Did you go to a prom in high school?
I did go to prom, three times actually! All three were utterly unremarkable.
What did you like about today’s shoot and working with your mentee?
Today’s shoot was worlds more glamorous than real prom on every level, especially the gorgeous clothing options, which really made the men’s warehouse suits I wore to mine look that much sadder. My mentee is absolutely gorgeous and was an absolute joy to be around on set.
What does pride mean to you?
Pride means allowing yourself permission to publicly live your life the way you want. Pride month is a great time to remind ourselves that we are at our best when we do this year round.
Taylor Collins Allen
What did you like about this shoot?
I enjoyed every moment, engaging with everyone was definitely dope.
What does pride mean to you?
It is an appreciation for our community. It’s love!
Shop the edit inspired by this shoot now on The RealReal.
A portion of proceeds goes to the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
