Chicago area designer transforms oversized clothes into high fashion — and social media can’t get enough
Social media craze: Local designer transforms oversized clothes into high fashion
When the world hit pause during the pandemic, one Chicago area designer hit the pedal on her sewing machine—and never looked back.
LANSING, Ill. - When the world hit pause during the pandemic, one Chicago area designer hit the pedal on her sewing machine—and never looked back.
Jasmine Dean, better known as JD the Fashion Monsta, has stitched her way to social media stardom. She turns oversize dresses, comforters and big shirts into jaw-dropping, high-end fashion statements.
With millions of views and over 81,000 followers, she’s proving that one woman, one needle, and a lot of creativity can turn fabric into fashion gold.
The backstory:
It started with an oversize Walmart dress and turned into a seven-million-view masterpiece, bringing in thousands of new followers.
But her story started long before the internet took notice.
A Columbia College Chicago grad, Dean made a name for herself designing show-stopping prom gowns, sewing from her parents' basement before taking a leap of faith and opening her own fashion studio.
Then, COVID hit. Proms were canceled. Businesses were stalled.
With no clients, she turned to social media. At first, almost no one was watching. Still, Dean kept sewing. Kept posting. Kept creating.
And then, her world flipped.
And now?
Prom season is sold out. Fifty-five girls are ready to wear one of her unforgettable designs.
This idea all steamed from a prom night disaster of her own. It was a moment that led her back to sewing and, ultimately, success.
"I remember crying the day of my prom because my dress was not finished. So to create these dresses for these young ladies and have them coming here, and they're so happy, and they can't wait to go to prom, like it really makes me smile, said Dean. "This past year, I did my very first sewing class, and it was a really great turnout. And I love teaching people the business. I love teaching people how to sew and just how to create different garments for people."
From repurposed fabrics to runway-ready looks, JD the Fashion Monsta on Instagram is proving that in the right hands, anything can become high fashion.
What's next:
If you are looking for one of her dresses ahead of prom, there will be a pop-up shop on March 1 and March 2 at 17255 Burnham Avenue in Lansing.
The Source: FOX 32's Tia Ewing spoke with Jasmine Dean to write this article.