Imagine having only four days to prepare for a prom and deciding to crochet your own dress from scratch. Sounds impossible, right? Well, not for Sarah Akinbuwa, an 18-year-old from Boston who turned this challenge into a viral sensation!
Sarah was invited to a prom, but with just four days to get ready, she decided to rely on her impressive crochet skills. The result? A stunning pink, strapless, floor-length gown inspired by Zendaya’s iconic Valentino Haute Couture dress from the 2023 SAG Awards.
“I had to make a dress by hand,” Sarah told PEOPLE, reflecting on her decision.
Not only did Sarah complete the breathtaking dress in just three days, but she also crocheted a matching floor-length shrug and handbag. Talk about dedication and talent!
The inspiration for Sarah’s look came from Zendaya’s SAG Awards gown, which boasted 190 roses on the skirt. Sarah’s version, though completed in a fraction of the time, does not fall short in terms of beauty and intricacy.
The video of Sarah’s creative journey, shared on TikTok, has already captivated millions, amassing more than 26 million views!
One of Sarah’s TikTok videos even shows her in the dress inside a public restroom, where an onlooker couldn’t help but compliment her creation. The person can be heard saying, “I love your dress,” to which Sarah proudly responded, “Thank you, I made it. It took me three days.”
The positive feedback didn’t stop there. “My friends loved the dress and I got tons of compliments,” Sarah told PEOPLE.
While crocheting a gown in such a short time might seem daunting to many, it was a natural challenge for Sarah. She has been crocheting since she was 12, honing her skills over the years.
Besides creating her own prom dress, Sarah also takes custom orders, creating beautiful, bespoke pieces for friends, family, and social media followers. Her crochet skills know no bounds!
As for the future? Sarah has her sights set on a career in fashion design. Given her talent and creativity, it’s easy to see her becoming a force in the fashion world.
