Best friends share the joy

Dressed in matching black and white skirts, black blazers and bright yellow turtleneck sweaters, Gibbs and MacDougall stood on the ceremony stage with the other Rose Princesses: Zena Brown, Alverno High School; Chloe Ghoogassian and Katie Merrill, both of Pasadena High School; Courtney Rubin, San Marino High School; and Gaelen Stanford-Moore, South Pasadena High School.

The girls’ outfits were provided by Macy’s, the first of about 40 combined matching pieces the clothing store provides to the court for their participation in the about 150 community and media functions planned in the coming year. The ladies also were presented with matching pearl necklaces and earrings from Mikimoto Co., Ltd., Tuesday morning. Later in the day, they were to receive their Tadashi evening gowns, which they will wear on the float during the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. The princesses will wear red gowns and the queen wears a white gown. “It’s so exciting,” Gibbs said.

The last week, since the court was announced, was filled with three- to- 14-hour days of modeling and media training, shopping, putting on makeup and getting their hair done, MacDougall said. “It’s just been a fantasy come true,” she said. “I’ve bonded so much with these girls and we’re having a wonderful time. It’s been a life-changing experience, and it’s only getting started.”