Bridgewater Expo Seeks to Make Prom Night Special for All

A Bridgewater business woman wants as many high school seniors as possible to attend and enjoy their prom, and she's doing all she can to make that happen.

Julie Lovell Costa owns and operates the Miss Louise Prom Closet and Special Occasion Rental Shop at 47 Broad Street in Bridgewater. She stopped by Townsquare Sunday to preview her 2025 Prom Expo planned for January 12.

Costa began her business during the pandemic, purchasing gowns on sale from Macy's and advertising for dresses on Facebook, and within five weeks she had collected over 500 dresses and gowns.

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In 2021, Costa opened a storefront in Bridgewater and began renting gowns. She then opened a second shop and will soon open a third location.

"Dresses are made to be worn more than once, and they're pretty much a timeless item," Costa said. "They don't really go out of style, and trends do come back."

Costa now has thousands of gowns and dresses available for rent, but she also has a nonprofit "Prom Closet' available to help young women and men who can't afford to rent dresses and tuxedos to go to their prom.

"Prom attendance has dwindled in recent years because is so expensive to purchase dresses and accessories," she said. "A lot of kids don't want to put their families through that expense."

"At the Prom Closet, we won't deny anyone who needs a dress or a suit. I also have men's formal wear," Costa said. "Normally, anyone can rent a dress for $40, but my nonprofit covers any boy or girl in need."

The Prom Expo is a free event and will happen on January 12 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bridgewater Vets Club located at 65 Cottage Street, off Route 18. More than 30 vendors will be on hand to display the services they offer. There will also be a fashion show with area high school students serving as models.

Costa said she wants to help every teen go to their prom.

"It is important to go to your prom. It's a memory you will always have," she said.

If you would like your nonprofit organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please contact the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.