For as long as she could remember, Kaitlyn Alforque dreamed of making her own prom dress. So when it finally came time to attend the big dance, she took the opportunity to make a DIY dress that ended up wowing both her classmates and the internet-at-large. Alforque had no previous dressmaking experience but spent hours (and much trial and error) to construct a stunning, one-of-a-kind gown that looks like an expensive designer frock—but hers only cost $57! The dress is a deep crimson that boasts a myriad of beautiful details, from a sheer corset top to a flowing cape to faux blooms that accent the entire length of the garment.
Alforque’s inspiration for the dress came from many places. She had originally eyed a gown from a designer and intended to emulate the fashion. “I ended up putting my spin on it to make it my own,” Alforque tells My Modern Met. “In addition, while I was coming up with ideas on what dress I would make, my parents were watching the Miss USA pageant on TV.” During the evening gown portion of the event, Miss Florida’s ensemble had a detail that caught her eye. “She had this beautiful white dress that had an almost cape-like train that flowed behind her and I knew that was one component I wanted in my dress.”
When it came time to sew the gown, Alforque’s mom showed her the basics, but that was it. “I had no idea how to construct a dress,” the teen reveals. During the 45-hour construction process, she looked to her inspiration images and “tried to use logic” to piece everything together. “I created the entire dress using a basic straight stitch,” she shares.
The most challenging part of her DIY project—but also the most striking—was the corset top. “On the surface, it looks simple,” Alforque explains, “but it was something that took me more than twenty hours to construct.” To create it, she found a corset at a thrift store and reassembled it in a sheer fabric, adding an invisible zipper in the back. “Because all of the stitching was visible from the outside, I continued stitching slowly to make it look as professional as possible.” When complete, Alforque was afraid that her hard work would be ruined once she attached it to the gown's heavy skirt. “I went back and doubled most of the stitching to secure it.”
Alforque rocked her dress at the dance, and many of her stunned classmates told her they had no idea she had made it. And after a photo shoot with her sister for their blog, let’s go anywear, her design went viral and is a hit with the DIY community. So, will she be pursuing fashion design? Not exactly. In the fall, Alforque is starting college to obtain a business administration degree. But it's for good reason—she would one day like to start her own clothing brand.
Kaitlyn Alforque had long dreamed of a DIY prom dress, so when it came time for the big dance, she didn't disappoint with this stunning gown.
Alforque had no dressmaking experience prior to her project.
It took about 45 hours over three weeks to construct, and Alforque spent only $57 on supplies.
The corset was the most challenging part. To create it, she found a corset at a thrift store and reassembled it in a sheer fabric.
Her classmates couldn't believe that her prom dress was DIY…
…and she had people on the internet wanting her handiwork!
This dress is hella perfect this is what i want my brides maids dresses to look like! How much i can pay you to make 3 in pink! 🤷🏽♀️
— McKayy (@itsMckaylaa) May 28, 2019
Kaitlyn Alforque: Website | Instagram | Twitter
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Kaitlyn Alforque.
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