In these recession-plagued times, one chic soiree for Spring is really all you need, but we’ve got two on offer. In March, the ROM Young Patron’s Circle hosts their fourth annual benefit, PROM IV: Ocean Drive. In April, the 2009 Innovator’s Ball, Femme Fatale: An Evening of Intrigue, will be held at the Ontario Science Centre to support their outreach programs. So which worthy cause deserves your social stamp of approval?

Decide for yourself:

DATES AND PRICES

PROM IV: Saturday, March 28th, 2009. $150 for non-YPC members
INNOVATOR’S BALL: Thursday, April 30th, 2009. $150 (with a $100 tax receipt) and limited $75 tickets for those under 30.

THEME

PROM IV: A South Beach Prom, so expect sherbet colours, lots of tanner, grecian dresses, and long, relaxed tresses. Lots of perfect pedicures perched atop high, high heels.
INNOVATOR’S BALL: International Espionage. Expect LBD’s, sheer, sheer stockings, luscious red lips, and Bond Girl updo’s.

CAUSE

PROM IV: The Young Patron’s Circle fundraises to aid arts and cultural development in Toronto, and bring young people’s attention and support to the ROM
INNOVATOR’S BALL: The Innovator’s Ball raises funds to support programs focused on allowing children who would otherwise be unable to visit the Ontario Science Centre the chance to experience it’s many educational opportunities

DECOR

PROM IV: Inspired by the opening of the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity, the decor will transform the ROM into a swanky South Beach hotel, complete with cabanas, palm trees, water effects, and imported Miami DJ’s.
INNOVATOR’S BALL: Taking place in the Weston Family Innovation Centre, and featuring professional dancers, custom cocktails, and delicious food, expect a luxe take on the International Man of Mystery theme.

PARTY PLANNERS

PROM IV: Jennifer Bassett, Eatons, Westons, and Candice Best, patron saint of Save Ossington
INNOVATOR’S BALL: Committee member Amoryn Engel ensures pictures will be all over the National Post. A score of society girls will follow Amanda Blakely and Ashleigh Dempster to the event, and Man of a Million Committees, Marcello Cabezas, will be there in his eye catching attire.

WHAT TO WEAR

PROM IV: Channel warmer climes with an one-shoulder, tropical hued gown. Stand out from the crowd and take inspiration from this Lanvin frock. Nude accessories will make a splash among what is sure to be a sea of metallics.
INNOVATOR’S BALL: While the rest will be clad in tight black dresses, stand out in an equally dramatic, but unexpected, colour like rick mauve, like this Elie Saab dress. The name of this spy-game will be form fitting frocks with fierce accessories.