Create Your Own: Signature Mermaid Gown (Tier 1)

Step into the spotlight this prom season with a gown you’ll create from start to finish under the guidance of Chicago designer Veronica Ariel. The Signature Mermaid Edition of the Sewing With Socialite: Prom Dress Experience is an 8-week, beginner-friendly sewing course that teaches students how to create a luxury mermaid-style gown using professional construction techniques.

Each student will work from a design template to ensure a cohesive, professional finish.
Participants may choose their fabric color and appliqué tone, but the design itself is fixed. This structure ensures a polished outcome and an stress-free experience for both students and parents.

This class is ideal for students whose prom dates are mid-May or later. Students with April prom dates are not eligible due to class completion timing.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Designing and sewing a fitted mermaid gown from start to finish

• Reading and cutting from a pattern template

• Constructing seams, zippers, hems, and finishing details

• Applying lace appliqués and embellishments

• Mastering fit, pressing, and couture-style presentation

CLASS DETAILS

• Location: Chicago, IL

• Start Date: February 3, 2026

• End Date: March 28, 2026

• Schedule: Saturdays, 12 PM – 3 PM

• Duration: 8 weeks

• Cost: $1,495

• Capacity: Only 6 spots available

• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (mid-May prom dates only)

• Registration Period: November 3, 2025 – January 10, 2026

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Premium sequin-on-velvet fabric (curated color palette)

• Lace appliqués and mesh for the bodice

• Sewing With Socialite toolkit

• Access to professional sewing machines

• Step-by-step guidance from Veronica Ariel

• Final fitting and finishing session

• Certificate of Completion

• Mini end-of-class photoshoot

WHY CHOOSE THIS CLASS

• Beginner-friendly and accessible with no prior sewing experience needed

• Create a designer-quality gown valued at over $2,000

• Build confidence, craftsmanship, and practical sewing skills

• Join a small, supportive group in an exclusive 6-seat class

CLASS POLICY

ALL STUDENTS WILL FOLLOW A FIXED DESIGN TEMPLATE PROVIDED BY VERONICA ARIEL. NO OUTSIDE DESIGNS, SKETCHES, OR CUSTOM MODIFICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. ONLY COLOR AND APPLIQUÉ TONE MAY BE SELECTED.

A 25% NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED AT REGISTRATION. REMAINING PAYMENTS WILL BE INVOICED ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS, WITH THE FIRST PAYMENT DUE THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS. A DETAILED PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND CLASS SYLLABUS WILL BE EMAILED TO EACH PARENT OR GUARDIAN TWO WEEKS BEFORE CLASS BEGINS.

LATE PAYMENTS MAY BE GRANTED A SHORT GRACE PERIOD IF COMMUNICATED IN ADVANCE. MISSED PAYMENTS WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE PROGRAM.

MISSED CLASSES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.
RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATION AND PUNCTUAL ATTENDANCE ARE MANDATORY.
CLASS SIZE IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO SIX STUDENTS. NO EXTRA SPOTS WILL BE ADDED.
THIS IS AN EDUCATIONAL COURSE, NOT A CUSTOM DESIGN SERVICE.

*IMAGES SHOWN ARE EXAMPLES OF THE GOWN TEMPLATES STUDENTS WILL BE CREATING DURING CLASS.