Evening Dress
Bridesmaid Dresses
When life presents a challenge, sometimes you turn it into an opportunity. This week, high school student Sarah Akinbuwa captured the internet’s attention by crafting her own crocheted version of Zendaya’s stunning pink Valentino Haute Couture gown for prom – all for just $60.
Akinbuwa drew inspiration from the elegant gown Zendaya wore on the red carpet at the 2023 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. Faced with a last-minute invitation to a prom with only four days’ notice, Akinbuwa decided to channel her crocheting skills into creating a unique prom dress.
In an interview with People magazine, Akinbuwa shared that the project was born out of necessity. “I had to make a dress by hand,” she explained. Documenting the entire process on TikTok, the 18-year-old meticulously crocheted 100 roses over two days. The following day, she crafted the floor-length, strapless gown, finishing it on prom day by attaching the roses to the train and rhinestones to the bodice. In addition to the gown, Akinbuwa also handmade a matching pink purse.
The result was a show-stopping outfit that drew admiration from onlookers. In a video taken in a women’s restroom, bystanders lavished praise on the teen, with one woman exclaiming, “Oh my god…gorgeous. You are unbelievable! You better win a prize or something for that.”
“I was overwhelmed with compliments,” Akinbuwa captioned her TikTok post. “This is the best part of crocheting [for real].”
The positive feedback continued to pour in on social media, with many users applauding Akinbuwa’s craftsmanship and dedication. Comments ranged from, “You did such an amazing job. [You’re] a very talented young woman, and I hope your talent takes you far,” to, “Wow…absolutely amazing work. You look so gorgeous. I pray this grows into a…successful business one day. Fashion line in your future.”
Though this is Akinbuwa’s first viral moment, it is far from her only crochet project. Her social media pages (@that_crochet_gurl00 on Instagram and TikTok) feature a range of her crocheted creations. “I’ve been crocheting since I was 12,” she said, noting that she has completed custom orders for family and friends. With a clear vision for her future, Akinbuwa aspires to become a fashion designer.
As she proudly shared on Instagram, “[oh] to be young, gifted and Black.”