'Top Model' judge's line part of prom show

Friday was a big day for giggling teenage girls.

On the same day New Kids on the Block announced a reunion, Nigel Barker, a judge on TV's "America's Next Top Model," made appearances at Conant and Fremd high schools for their prom fashion shows.

The 35-year-old Barker, the former model turned fashioned photographer, is on a high school tour in support of the prom clothing line at the David's Bridal chain. He also appeared at its Schaumburg store Friday.

"It's very inspiring to come here and see what these kids are doing," he said.

Barker said the students' "love of life" and talent in designing clothes impressed him, and that more schools should emulate the fashion programs.

The teen years are important in defining a sense of style, Barker said, noting he became knowledgeable about design at a young age.

"So much of your rest of your life is defined by how you are in high school," he said.

Fashion shows are long a tradition for seniors. But Barker's appearance made Friday's special.

"It was a lot more exciting when he was here. Everybody in the stands was just screaming and having fun with it. All of the fashion students were all pumped," said Fremd's Julianne Johnson.

Barker wore a gray pinstriped Paul Smith suit with a purple shirt and tie. He disappointed the crowd, revealing that he was married.

Best known as the level-headed judge who critiques young women wanting to burst onto the modeling scene, Barker works alongside supermodel Tyra Banks, the producer and host of "Top Model."

"She is as lovely as she is beautiful, and you know what -- she's as crazy as she is beautiful sometimes," Barker told the Fremd crowd.

Conant's Jeff Keegan wasn't sure of the exact date of his prom, nor did he know how long it would take for him to get ready to walk the runway. But classmate Sara Pessimisis knew all those details. She wore a black and white strapless dress from David's Bridal.

"It's a great experience and everyone is talking about it," she said.

Many other students wore clothing of their own design and making. Fremd's Jack Mitchell said he spent about 10 hours over the course of a month crafting the suit he wore.

Fremd fashion club faculty sponsor Courtney Gatsos said she didn't feel it was a problem having vendors like David's Bridal showcase their clothes in what amounted to a two-hour commercial that urging students to purchase their items. She pointed out that 66 students made clothes for the show.

"I don't feel it's a commercialized event," Gatsos said. "You're building a student's character and morale. It really gives them the confidence to come up here. You don't get that everywhere."