@that_crochet_gurl00 I was overwhelmed with compliments!this is the best part of crocheting fr #crochet #fypage #fyp #crochetptomdress #prom #pink #fypviral #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ original sound – Sarah
Prom is arguably the most anticipated event in many teenagers' young lives. Many of the youthful attendees go all out for the evening and even tend to spend hundreds of dollars on the perfect outfit. For 18-year-old Sarah Akinbuwa, this was not the case, though. The crafty teen managed to steal the show at Somerville High School's prom by relying on her talent and determination instead of her bank account. In three days, albeit sleep-deprived ones, Akinbuwa crocheted a pink gown adorned with crocheted roses that has now gone viral on TikTok and even garnered the attention of Zendaya's stylist Law Roach.
Akinbuwa first started crocheting as a 12-year-old girl while living in Nigeria. In the past five years, she's made two big moves, first from Nigeria to New York and then to Somerville, Massachusetts. Despite all the life transitions, she not only kept up with her hobby, but started creating new crochet pieces with every spare moment she had since she wants to become a fashion designer.
When her friend invited her to his prom, Akinbuwa got to work on a project she knew would make her standout from all the other students. Inspired by the Valentino gown Zendaya wore to the 2023 SAG Awards, the determined designer picked up $60 of pink yarn at the craft store Michael's. Starting with the roses, the young designer crocheted over 100 in two days before diving into the bodice and silhouette of the gown itself. Along with a rose-covered coat she had already crocheted for Valentine's Day, Akinbuwa made quite the entrance and stunned other prom-goers. “You made this! It's beautiful!” and “You should win a prize for this!” were among the compliments she received by strangers as she was attempting to take a video of her creation on prom night.
It's not just folks in Somerville who are impressed though. One of her TikTok videos spotlighting her handmade dress has over 26 million views. Law Roach, acclaimed Hollywood stylist even commented on her video. “He said it was so cute,” says Akinbuwa, a big admirer of his work. “No one can bring me down anymore.”
While Akinbuwa has had to turn down folks requesting they buy her dress off her, she does have a small crochet clothing brand called Oyinda’s (her Nigerian first name). Additionally, she will be attending Framingham State University to get her degree in fashion design. Clearly she has the patience and persistence to create a promising career in fashion.
To keep up to date with this budding fashion designer, you can follow Akinbuwa on TikTok and Oyinda's on Instagram.
18-year-old Sarah Akinbuwa magically turned $60 of yarn into the most stunning and unique prom dress in just 3 days.
@that_crochet_gurl00 Just going for my outfit #fypage #prom #fypシ゚viral #promdress #crochetpromdress #promo #crochet #crochetblackgirls #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ Saturn (Sped Up) – SZA
@that_crochet_gurl00 I just needed a reason to crochet a prom dressmy prom was last year #fyp #promdress #crochet #crochetpromdress #blackgirlcrochet #crochetersoftiktok #prom2024 #fypシ゚viral #royalty #prom ♬ spread thin – kay
Her dress is bringing her worldwide attention with over 26 million views on TikTok.
@that_crochet_gurl00 Try me #fypage #pink #crochetdress #crochetpromdress #blackgirlcrochet #prom #fyp #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – findgodye
Akinbuwa even made a matching purse to complete her outfit.
@that_crochet_gurl00 Posting this crochet bag because it’s not talked about enough!im obsessed #fypage #crochet #crochetfashion #crochetbag #fypagee #fyp ♬ bejeweled transition – theo (taylor’s version)
And this prom outfit isn't the end or even the beginning of her crocheting journey.
@that_crochet_gurl00 Learning how to crochet is one of the best thing that has ever happened to me #fypage #blackgirlcrochet #crochet #crochetfashion #crochettok #crochetersoftiktok #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – stxlen_
@that_crochet_gurl00 I just keep outdoing myself everytime #crochet #fyp #fypシ゚viral #crochetersoftiktok #blackgirlmagic #blackhistorymonth ♬ original sound – aqyila
Sarah Akinbuwa: Instagram | TikTok
h/t: [The Boston Globe]
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