Imagine facing the ultimate time crunch—just four days to prepare for prom—and deciding to crochet your own dress from scratch. This seemingly impossible challenge was tackled by 18-year-old Sarah Akinbuwa from Boston, who turned her crochet skills into a viral sensation.
With only a few days left to get ready, Sarah decided to craft a stunning pink, strapless, floor-length gown, drawing inspiration from Zendaya’s iconic Valentino Haute Couture dress worn at the 2023 SAG Awards. “I had to make a dress by hand,” Sarah shared, reflecting on her bold decision.
Creating a Masterpiece in Just Three Days
Not only did Sarah complete the breathtaking gown in just three days, but she also crocheted a matching floor-length shrug and handbag to complete the look. Despite the tight timeline, her dedication and talent truly shone through. The gown, while inspired by Zendaya’s famous dress featuring 190 roses on the skirt, was a unique and intricate creation that impressed all who saw it.
Viral Sensation on TikTok
Sarah’s incredible crochet journey caught the attention of millions when she shared her process on TikTok. The video quickly went viral, racking up over 26 million views. One memorable moment from the video shows Sarah proudly wearing her dress inside a public restroom, where an onlooker compliments her creation. When asked about her dress, Sarah responds, “Thank you, I made it. It took me three days.”
Positive Feedback and Support
The compliments didn’t stop there. “My friends loved the dress, and I got tons of compliments,” Sarah told PEOPLE, further confirming how well-received her handmade creation was.
For Sarah, crocheting a gown in such a short time was less of a challenge and more of a natural extension of her passion. She has been crocheting since she was 12, building her skills over the years to create beautiful, detailed pieces.
A Bright Future in Fashion Design
Beyond crafting her prom dress, Sarah has become known for creating bespoke crochet pieces for friends, family, and her growing social media following. With her undeniable talent and creativity, Sarah has her sights set on a future in fashion design, and it’s easy to envision her making a significant impact in the fashion world.
