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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Stephanie Convery and Cait Kelly with photography by Penny Stephens

The glitz and glamour of Australian formals is a rite of passage. But it’s harder for some students than others

Northcote
Lucia Pellegrini, Thea Niall, Layla Hicks, Danika Stamp, Isobel Collard and Lily Darling ready for Northcote high’s year 12 formal
Lucia Pellegrini, Thea Niall, Layla Hicks, Danika Stamp, Isobel Collard and Lily Darling ready for Northcote high’s year 12 formal Photograph: Penny Stephens/Guardian Australia

The door to Thea Niall’s house opens to reveal a whirl of shimmering sequins, selfies, shrieks of delight and the excited tap of high heels. The peaty scent of makeup mingles in the hallway with the sharp fizz of champagne and hairspray.

It’s the night of Niall’s year 12 formal and the Northcote high school captain has invited her friends and their parents to her house to get ready. Photos are snapped, dresses adjusted and everyone is chatting about what the big night signifies and how much effort has gone into it.

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