Kyemah McEntyre “broke the internet” earlier this summer when photos of her prom dress she designed went viral. The 18-year-old from New Jersey was inspired by different backgrounds, especially traditional African garments, and being bullied when she was younger. McEntyre commented, “This is for always being labeled as, ‘ugly’ or ‘angry.’ Thank God, stereotypes are just opinions.”
Last week, McEntyre was on Tyra Banks’ FabLife talk show, when Tyra gave her the surprise of her life. Tyra walked out on stage modeling one of McEntyre’s designs, bringing her to tears. Tyra told McEntyre, “This is the beginning of your journey and becoming the force that I know that you can be in the fashion world; this is not existing in the fashion world right now, and it is desperately, desperately needed.”
McEntyre also designed Naturi Naughton’s BET Awards gown this past June. She is currently studying at Parsons School of Art and Design. As a “self identified advocate for women and youth,” I look forward to seeing McEntyre use her platform in a positive way.
