Like Katherine Heigl’s character in the movie 27 Dresses, many women’s closets are stuffed with bridesmaid dresses that are unsuitable for any other occasion.  Fashion Design students at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) have taken on the challenge of transforming bridesmaid dresses into the perfect outfit for a Friday night date, dinner, concert, or other festive occasion.

The challenge is part of a competition sponsored by Bridal Guide magazine and Alfred Angelo, a bridalwear manufacturer.  Open to all full-time FIT students majoring in Fashion Design, Bridal Guide provided each student with photos of three bridesmaid dresses. Participants submitted three sketches and fabric samples of the redesigned dresses.  Then, each finalist received an actual bridesmaid dress to redesign according to her sketch.

Three finalists, all women, are Heamin Choi, Xiaonan Gao, and Juda Selkowitz. Their final designs are shown above. The finalist with the most votes will win $1,500 in cash, with the winner announced on or about June 18.

From June 5-13, vote for their favorite dress redesign at www.bridalguide.com/vote.