Designer: Angela Brandenburg

Design Inspiration: I wanted to design a simple, yet fashionable dress that would work on many body types and fit in with the aesthetic of Mary L Couture. Prom is a very important event for most girls and I wanted to create something that would fit well and be comfortable long into the night, yet be eye catching and fun.

Bio: I knew I wanted to be a designer at a very young age. I attended Iowa State University where I got my BS Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production, and won several awards including Best of Show for my Senior Collection. Shortly after college, I moved to Boston, MA where I worked at Priscilla of Boston as a pattern maker for the Priscilla, Melissa Sweet and Kenneth Pool Platinum Collection Wedding gowns, and did some design work as well. I currently live in Minnesota with my husband Mark. I have done several independent shows of my designs and will be participating in Fashion Week Iowa this April back in my home town.

Designer: Ariel Pomputius

Design Inspiration: My design focuses on the movement of color, making it visually interesting without poking you in the eye. The flowing harmony of the lines was inspired by the water of the Mississippi when rowing early in the morning. The colors are actually my rowing team’s colors. I still like pink in my dresses, but the colors are stronger when you only use a little. It is simple, but elegant enough that you can still feel like a princess.

Bio: I am a 16-year-old junior at Trinity School at River Ridge. My family moved here almost two years ago from Florida. I really miss the beaches, but I love freshly fallen snow. After school I spend most of my time rowing for the Minnesota Boat Club in downtown St. Paul. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies with my friends and drinking chai tea.

Designer: Ashley Wood

Dress Inspiration: I wanted to design a dress that was tasteful and elegant for a girl that aspires to have a red carpet experience.

Bio: I’m originally from the Twin Cities, but currently living in New York City. I spent the past three years studying at the University of Wisconsin – Madison in the Textile and Apparel Design program, and spent the summer of my sophomore year studying abroad in Fashion Design at Central Saint Martin’s in London, England. During my Junior year I was accepted into the program for Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. This is where I am currently studying while I finish my senior year.

Designer: Katie Leaf-Smith

Design Inspiration: I wanted to design a prom dress that was both flirty and young. I think the gathered layers of varying green fabrics gives it a fresh lightness that would be perfect for prom.

Bio: I am currently in my last year of school at Columbia College Chicago. I also have been designing under my own label, Biscuit, for the last year and a half. I design both a small collection that hangs at a local boutique and I do custom work for private clients.

Designer: Kelsey Eaton

Design Inspiration: I have seen pictures of upperclassmen in gorgeous gowns, and they were always taken at sunset. I thought it would be unique to have a dress that reminded someone of the perfect sunset and prom night - and of course the long and excruciating hours it took them to get ready and how it all paid off in the end.

Bio: I am a junior at Eastview High School (Go Lightning!) I am involved in National Art Honors Society and NHS. I am also part of the track and field team, the science olympiad team, I play soccer, and I play in the band. The art class I am currently in is AP: 2-Dimensional.

Designer: Michele Henry

Dress Inspiration: Old Hollywood glamour is the inspiration behind my gown. Lush silk fabrics paired with thick ruby jewels for the sash and necklace make for an exceedingly elegant and unforgettable evening. My goal is to make my muse feel absolutely priceless in her prom gown and I believe that this design truly captures beauty.

Bio: I graduated this past December from the University of St. Thomas and College of St. Catherine with majors in Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising. While at St. Kate’s I studied abroad in London, Paris, and Milan. Since finishing school I have been working full time launching my own label, House of Henry. I am currently featured in Cliché in Uptown and Collaborations in Stillwater and in the near future hoping to be in several other local boutiques.