Project Dream Dress, March 3, 2012
Military brides-to-be had the chance to find the wedding gown of their dreams, compliments of Lasell College and Brides Across America through their joint venture, Project Dream Dress. Brides-to-be, who registered in advance on www.bridesacrossamerica.com chose from more than 100 designer gowns at no cost to them. The event was hosted at the Atrium at Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, located at 1010 Harrison Avenue in Boston.

Lasell College contributed more than 100 couture gowns, which were donated by an exclusive design house to the Lasell Fashion Collection. Made from silk, satin, tulle, chiffon and organza, these one-of-a-kind gowns were valued from $1,000 to $8,000. During the Project Dream Dress event, Lasell fashion students served as stylists and offered free tailoring to the brides-to-be. Zoots provided dry cleaning services at no charge.

Brides Across America, a national charitable organization, worked to find women who were in the service, engaged to a member of the military, recent veterans (deployed within the last five years), or engaged to recent veterans and wished to participate in this wedding gown give-away. Newlyweds who were married in a civil ceremony and are planning a wedding were also eligible.

According to Lasell Arnow Professor and Curator of the Lasell Fashion Collection, Jill Carey, Project Dream Dress was the brainchild of fashion students Maria Rogers, Chelsea Yeomans and Krista DeCarlo. "These gowns, many embellished with crystals, sequins, lace and appliqués, were given to Lasell Fashion Department to use at their discretion so that our students could learn about couture design and see, up close, the skill and artistry that go into these magnificent dresses. Lasell students wanted to share this significant donation with the community and developed Project Dream Dress as a way to give back and thank our troops for their service and sacrifice."