How a Springfield high school senior lucked in to a free prom gown by fashion designer Justin Haynes

Springfield fashion designer Justin Haynes says social media and TikTok have upped the ante on prom gowns.

A few weeks ago, concerned that prom costs for high school students were getting out of hand, he posted a note on Facebook. “I’ve Got You Covered,” his March 7 post note read. Haynes offered to help prom-bound seniors who could not afford the kinds of dresses young people are seeing hyped.

Close to 150 people responded to his offer, though a lot of the interest came not from people unable to afford a gown, but rather those eager to wear a “Justin H” gown, he said in an interview last week at his vibrant and posh design studio, JUS10H, in the Enfield Square Mall, in Enfield, Connecticut.

After six days and over 275 shares on the social media site, two seniors were selected to receive a specially designed prom gown from Haynes.

One will attend the prom at Springfield Central High School this week. The second, from A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford, will go to their prom the following week — shining as the belles of the ball.

Haynes said both families involved provided touching stories and demonstrated a desire to get their students to the prom in style, despite their financial constraints.

Cautious at the outset, Haynes said he called families back to make sure they understood that his works are original and that he would not be replicating the look of a gown created by another designer.

Both families expressed their gratitude for the dresses. One family mentioned they simply wanted their daughter to attend the prom and feel beautiful.

“This is what touched me,” Haynes said. “Of course, I’m going to honor minor detail changes because I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure (the student) is happy.”

The students asked that they not be identified.

Since making the initial Facebook post, Haynes said other people have reached out to supply fabric, corsages, jewelry and even transportation.

“The response from everyone wanting to pitch in and help me this year has been amazing,” he said. “These are rewarding moments.”

Last year, Haynes outfitted a single student for prom, but sponsored the effort by himself.

“It was not to this magnitude where there are others joining the cause,” he said.

Because of the overwhelming response this year from people interested in getting his help, Haynes said he may begin early in 2025 and have a selection committee in place, in an effort to help more young people make their way to prom feeling good about themselves.

Year’s top looks

What are this prom season’s big trends? Monochromatic browns, blacks, oranges, pinks, purples, sheer fabrics, mermaid silhouettes, cathedral trains, off-season fabrics, like velvet, and Cinderella cuts.

Although Haynes cannot craft a sparkling ball gown in mere seconds with a magic wand, as in fairy tales, he says he can create an intricate, prom-ready gown in approximately a week, depending on the complexity.

“When I can be creative and dive into it, I’ll stay up all night and do what I need to do,” Haynes said.

Haynes has been designing prom gowns for almost four years. After a client wanted him to replicate another designer, exactly like a picture, he decided to tackle prom fashion in another way.

“That became a challenge, because I’m not a designer that will do the same thing in a photo,” he said.

“For me, that doesn’t show a lot of creativity,” Haynes said. “I decided to help somebody in need, I figured there were girls that really wanted to go to prom but could not afford to go and were willing to allow me to create whatever.”