Girl’s African-Themed Dress Called ‘Tacky for Prom’ by Teacher
Girl’s African-Themed Dress Called ‘Tacky for Prom’ by Teacher
Thanks to Kyemah McEntyre, the teenager who designed her own prom dress last year,
high school students across the country are wearing African-themed
gowns. Yet despite the popularity of Ankara print gowns, Mayalaya
Zanders was shamed for choosing one.
When
the 17-year-old, who attends Garfield Heights High School in Cleveland,
Ohio, told a teacher about her custom look, the Caucasian administrator
reportedly called it “tacky for prom.”
Determined to prove her critic wrong, Mayalaya collaborated with local designer DeAndre’ Crenshaw of IndelibleDC to
customize a royal blue java Ankara print gown with a front slit and
dramatic mermaid bottom. She accessorized it with a structural belt, a
bicep bracelet, and layers of gold necklaces.
Aside
from the one bad review, the response to Mayalaya’s outfit has been
overwhelmingly positive. “Beautifully done and awesome message,” one
person wrote in the comments. Another shared, “I still can’t get over
how beautiful you looked. You definitely made this outfit work and it
looks absolutely perfect on you.” Multiple others called her “stunning,”
“beautiful,” and said that she “slayed.”
“Thank you to everyone who gave me kind words on my prom dress,” Mayalaya shared. “My
dress was to make a point. That African style is beautiful. That I am
comfortable with my Melanin and roots. And finally that there’s nothing
like Black girl Magic.”
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