The Marin Prom Boutique opened on March 8 at 11 a.m., filled with excited customers waiting to review the inventory. Senior Charlotte Lacy, junior Morgan Sicklick and countless other volunteers have dedicated several months to organizing the boutique, which welcomes high school students from all over the Bay Area. Located at The Village in Corte Madera, the boutique offers free prom attire, such as dresses, tuxedos, shoes, jewelry and accessories.
Redwood students started the boutique, but this year, they are
collaborating with surrounding schools such as San Marin High School, Tamalpais High School and San Rafael High School. The boutique aims to ensure that all students, regardless of financial background, can have something to wear that they feel confident in at prom without the price burden. According to a recent Bark survey, 67 percent of students think prom is too expensive, demonstrating the need for initiatives like the Marin Prom Boutique.
Sophomore Brooke Hansen is a first-year volunteer at the boutique.
“We’re making [the boutique] accessible to all high school students in the Bay Area, which is a much bigger commitment than last year, but it’s turning out well,” Hansen said.
The boutique has received more inventory since last year, thanks to donations from local community members and major brand sponsors like Birdy Grey, Windsor, Jarlo and Camille La Vile. They are also a chapter of Becca’s Closest, a national organization whose purpose is to make prom more affordable. Many dresses are brand new, with some valued at over 300 dollars. Celebración Tuxedos in San Rafael is also working with the boutique to give students a 15 percent discount on suit tailoring and a complimentary handkerchief.
Hansen highlighted the rewarding experience of seeing students react when they try on the boutique’s clothes.
“A guy came in [to the boutique] and was so excited to try on a blazer. He was beaming,” Hansen said. “That’s exactly why we do this, so everyone can have that special moment without worrying about the cost.”
The boutique has a variety of styles, from long sequin gowns to fun mini dresses, in sizes from extra small to extra large.
Mercedes Garcia, a senior at Novato High School, notes the benefits of having the prom boutique as a collaborative effort by schools across Marin County.
“I got to meet so many people from schools I wouldn’t normally interact with,” Garcia said.
The Prom Boutique has given away 180 items to various high school students in the Bay Area just in the first weekend. The store will continue operating every weekend until the last weekend of March.
New shipments of dresses arrive each week, ensuring a fresh selection for students. Make sure to come by the prom boutique this month and email [email protected] for any questions.
