Prom at Jasmine Rene Studio: Where My Dress Was Actually Me
I used to think shopping for a prom dress would be fun. And then I started actually looking. Scroll after scroll of pink sequins, mermaid cuts, and the same sparkly sleeves — it was all gorgeous, but none of it felt like me. I’m not trying to wear someone else’s Pinterest board. I wanted a dress that looked like I designed it myself — and kind of, I did.
A friend from Shaker Heights told me about Jasmine Rene Studio in Cleveland Heights. She said it wasn’t your typical boutique — it was more like a studio where artists help you become your own fashion designer. That’s all I needed to hear. I made an appointment.
First Impressions: This Wasn’t Just Shopping
From the moment I stepped inside, I felt seen. It’s not a mega-store. There aren’t racks of mass-produced dresses. Instead, it’s clean, creative, and full of sketches, dress forms, and swatches pinned to inspiration boards. Jasmine herself came out to greet me — yes, the actual designer. She sat down with me like she had all the time in the world, asked what I wanted, and listened.
Not just “what color?” or “what style?” She asked how I wanted to feel. What music I imagined walking into prom to. She even asked if I liked sharp lines or soft ones in my art (I do digital illustration, so we really clicked). I showed her a mood board I made on Canva — deep green tones, velvet textures, celestial accents — and she sketched my dream dress right in front of me.
Building the Look — And the Confidence
The fittings were a journey. The first time, I was nervous. I’ve never had something made just for me. But the staff was so real — no fake compliments, just helpful advice. They adjusted the bodice to hug in the right places without pinching. We tried three neckline ideas before landing on an angular sweetheart that made my collarbone look amazing.
Each visit, I felt more and more like the dress was becoming part of me. They never rushed me. They never made me feel weird for wanting something different. They just made it better — and more mine — every time.
The Reveal
At the final fitting, Jasmine zipped me up and spun me around to the mirror. It was deep forest green velvet with a structured waist, soft flare at the bottom, and tiny stitched stars along the hem — subtle, not cheesy. I looked like something out of a storybook. Not a princess — more like an empress from another planet.
My mom cried. The assistant stylist cried. I cried a little, too, but just enough to smudge my mascara in a cool way. It wasn’t just a dress. It was a statement. A wearable piece of who I am — and who I’m becoming.
What Makes Jasmine Rene Studio Different
This isn’t the kind of place you just pick a dress off a rack. You collaborate. You brainstorm. You’re treated like your voice matters. They asked about my school (Cleveland Heights High), noted my prom date, and even offered to do my makeup on the day of prom. The whole team just… gets it.
And the variety of styles I saw while there? Incredible. One girl from Laurel School was doing a vintage-inspired feathered look. Another from Warrensville Heights was going full glam in gold. Everyone was celebrated for their individual vision — no comparisons, no pressure to be anything other than yourself.
Final Thoughts from a Girl Who Wanted More
Prom is about more than showing up in a dress. It’s about stepping into who you are — and doing it in fabric that speaks. Jasmine Rene Studio didn’t just make me a gown. They gave me confidence, control, and the kind of experience that made the moment last longer than just a night.
And when I look back on my senior year, I won’t remember the pink sequin gowns I scrolled past. I’ll remember standing in front of the mirror, seeing a reflection that finally felt like me.