Viper Apparel calls itself one of the largest prom, homecoming and pageant dress shops in Michigan. The shop is in Bridgeport, in Saginaw County, and it has been open since 2009. It started with just a few dresses, by the store's own account. Today owner Dalia Kas-mikha runs two stores, one for dresses and one for bridal. Prom and homecoming shoppers can walk in. Pageant and quinceañera shopping needs an appointment.
Bridgeport sits where Dixie Highway meets Interstate 75, with Saginaw to the northwest and Frankenmuth to the southeast. Bridgeport High School is close by. So are Frankenmuth, Birch Run and Saginaw, and Tuscola County starts just to the east.
Voted the #1 Prom & Pageant store in the Nation by Pageant Planet.
That line runs across the top of the store's homepage. Most prom boutiques treat pageant dresses as a side line. Here they share the floor. Pageant gowns need special attention to fit, shape and how they move on stage, and that know-how carries over when a prom shopper is choosing between two dresses.
Designers on the racks
The homepage, a homecoming page and the couture listings each name their own labels.
Prom, on the homepage
- Sherri Hill
- Jovani
- Johnathan Kayne
- Portia & Scarlett
Homecoming page
- Ashley Lauren
- Alyce Paris
Couture
- Amarra Couture
- Sherri Hill Couture
- Jovani Couture
Fernando Wong Couture has its own category. New arrivals keep coming in, the site says, and an in-store stock filter shows what is on the floor right now.
Sizes run wide. The in-stock filter covers 000 to 32, women's sizes 14W to 32W, and XXS to 2XL.
Pageant ties
The store is a dress sponsor for several pageant organizations, including Miss Michigan and Miss Michigan's Teen, Miss Michigan USA and Teen, and Miss Nevada and Miss Nevada's Teen. Staff who dress contestants for the stage know which shapes and colors photograph well under bright lights. Prom photos benefit from the same eye.
Shoes and earrings are sold in the store too, so the whole look can come together in one trip.
What designer brands does Viper Apparel carry?
Sherri Hill, Jovani, Johnathan Kayne, Portia & Scarlett, Ashley Lauren and Alyce Paris for prom and homecoming, plus Amarra, Sherri Hill and Jovani couture lines and Fernando Wong Couture.
Do I need an appointment for prom?
No. The store says no appointment is needed for prom and homecoming. Call ahead only for pageant or quinceañera shopping, which requires one.
Will someone else at my prom have the same dress?
Not one bought here. Viper Apparel sells one dress per event, per style, so let the staff know your school and prom.