Proms' Glitz Blitz Captivates UK Teens

Parents and traditionalists alike are feeling the pinch as expensive American-style proms migrate to the UK, the Wall Street Journal finds. Teens crave the stretch limos and extravagant gowns seen in US shows like The O.C. and My Super Sweet 16. But some educators criticize the trend, including one headmaster bothered by "the ones who are excluded by cost."

One culture-shocked mum shelled out $1,180 for, among other things, her son's rental of a yellow Lamborghini. "We didn't have proms or things like that when we were younger," she said. A teacher posting to an education website, meanwhile, called the new tradition a "ghastly import. Conspicuous consumption and pointless excess." (More culture stories.)