Business: The UK's largest collection of designer prom dresses, evening gowns & formal wear. Customers can visit their prom dress shops in the UK or order online with worldwide delivery, with recent launches in Canada and Germany.
Founders: Samantha Cohen and Vanessa Kenley
Year Founded: 2009
Website: https://www.dress2party.net/
Who founded Dress2Party and how did it begin?
Dress2Party was founded by childhood friends Samantha Cohen and Vanessa Kenley, who originally trained and worked as lawyers before deciding to pursue a completely different path.
Both had a strong interest in fashion, especially occasion wear, and they saw a growing opportunity in the UK market for high-quality prom and evening dresses. Their shared vision led them to open their first store, beginning a journey that would turn Dress2Party into one of the leading prom and formal-wear retailers in the country.
Over the years, their passion, industry knowledge and hands-on involvement have helped the business grow into a trusted brand with a strong reputation for customer service and style expertise.
What does Dress2Party offer in-store and online?
Dress2Party offers an extensive range of formal dresses for all kinds of special occasions. In-store, customers can try on prom dresses, evening gowns, ball gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother-of-the-bride outfits with guidance from trained stylists.
The boutiques are located in major UK cities, including London, Liverpool, Leeds and Glasgow, making it easy for customers to enjoy a personalised fitting experience. Many shoppers visit specifically for the one-to-one attention and expert advice that helps them find the perfect dress.
Online, the company operates a large e-commerce platform offering the same wide selection of designer brands and its own Dress2Party label. Customers can browse hundreds of styles, check size guides and order directly to their home.
The online store is supported by a fulfilment team, ensuring fast delivery and smooth handling of orders. This combination of strong in-store service and an accessible online shop has allowed Dress2Party to reach customers across the UK and internationally.
How does Dress2Party combine designer brands and its own collection?
Dress2Party stocks many well-known American and international designer labels, offering glamorous styles often seen at proms, pageants and red-carpet events. Over time, the founders also introduced their own Dress2Party collection, designed to give customers high-quality, fashionable gowns at a more affordable price point.
This collection blends classic silhouettes with modern details, making it suitable for a wide range of tastes and body types. The brand also prides itself on offering a large size range, helping more people feel included and confident while shopping for a special occasion.
How has the rise of proms in the UK influenced Dress2Party’s success?
Proms have grown rapidly in popularity across the UK, becoming far more similar to the American prom culture seen in films and television.
What used to be a small end-of-year celebration has evolved into a major event for teenagers, with long dresses, formal suits, professional hair and makeup, and themed venues. This shift has created a strong demand for high-quality, glamorous prom dresses.
Dress2Party entered the market at exactly the right time, adapting its style selection and store experience to match the expectations of modern prom-goers.
Many UK students now treat prom as one of the biggest events of their school years, and Dress2Party has become a go-to destination for those wanting something memorable and stylish. The rise of social media has also contributed, as customers want dresses that look stunning in photos and help them stand out.
What makes Dress2Party stand out?
The company’s success comes from a mix of personalised customer care, high-quality products and a deep understanding of what young shoppers want.
Whether customers visit in person or shop online, they receive guidance, clear sizing advice and access to a wide range of modern, elegant designs. Dress2Party continues to expand its presence in the UK, maintaining its position as a trusted name in the prom and evening-wear market.
