Dernier cri is French. The shop translates it on its own About page as "latest fashion," or more literally "last cry," and the name fits a boutique that sells prom and homecoming gowns to students who want something current. Dernier Cri Gowns opened its doors in 2018 in the Corner Market center on Parker Road SE in Conyers, and it is run by a mother and daughter team.
Prom and homecoming sit at the front of its service list, with a promise aimed squarely at high schoolers: turn heads at your school's biggest night with a dress that reflects your style, personality and confidence. The site marks that part of the business "walk-ins welcome," and its contact page says no appointment is needed. If you'd rather have a stylist's undivided attention, you can still book one online.
What to expect
This is a shop that has grown. The Conyers store came first, and Dernier Cri has since added a second location at Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove. For Rockdale County families, though, Parker Road is the home-county store for the Heritage, Rockdale County and Salem high school neighborhoods. Newton County, home to Eastside High in Covington, starts just down I-20 to the east. For anyone shopping Georgia's east metro off I-20, the Conyers store saves a trip into Atlanta during the busiest weeks of the season.
- Designers
- The site's popular designer collection names Amarra, Sydney's Closet, Colorsdress and Portia & Scarlett.
- Sizes
- The store promises a fully inclusive size range, stocked so that any shape or size can find a gown.
- Special orders
- If the size or color you want isn't in the store, it can be special ordered with a non-refundable 50 percent deposit.
- VIP financing
- The store lets you reserve a gown for 30 days with a 25 percent deposit, paying the balance in installments before pickup.
- Alterations
- Handled outside the shop, through a referral list of partners that Dernier Cri sends shoppers to and works with directly.
Beyond prom, the lineup covers bridal, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, and charming dresses for young girls, along with jewelry and accessories. For prom shoppers, the accessories count most, since the earrings and the clutch can come off the same Parker Road shelves as the dress.
One policy to know before you buy: all sales are final, in store and online. If you order online, the shop asks that you check the designer's measurement chart carefully first, and orders can't be changed once they're confirmed.
The mother and daughter behind the counter, who go by J & J, wrote their own mission line for the site.
J & J – mother and daughter team bring their individual talents together as they “specialize in the uniqueness of you” looking stunning at any formal occasion in a formal gown!
Booking and alterations at the Conyers store
Do I need an appointment to shop for prom at Dernier Cri Gowns?
No. The contact page says no appointment is needed, and prom and homecoming shopping is listed as walk-ins welcome. Online booking is available if you want a scheduled time.
Does Dernier Cri Gowns do alterations?
No, that work goes to outside partners. The FAQ says the shop has a referral list of partnering businesses it works with directly.