Sarah Akinbuwa remembers the days when she was bullied over her love of crocheting, a hobby she picked up with her circle of schoolmates as a 12-year-old in Nigeria. Now living in Somerville and devoted to the craft, the 18-year-old is winning acclaim for one of her latest creations: a bright pink, floor-length prom dress adorned with roses, complete with a matching shrug and handbag. Her behind-the-scenes look at the design process has garnered more than 26 million views on TikTok , raising her profile and affirming her faith in her abilities.
Akinbuwa, who spends hours crocheting daily, is grateful she did not let those hurtful remarks stop her. “Look at me now,” she wishes she could say to the people who teased her for having a “ grandma hobby ” and a dream to be a fashion designer. “I’m very happy I did not let it get to me.
” Advertisement When one of her best friends invited her to be his date at the Somerville High School prom in May, Akinbuwa, who graduated last year, immediately saw an opportunity to showcase her talents. With a model in mind — a strapless gown designed by Valentino Haute Couture that one of her favorite actresses, Zendaya, wore to the 2023 SAG Awards — Akinbuwa headed to Michaels, an arts and crafts store she frequents, and bought $60 worth of yarn. “I knew I was going to go viral when I started making it,” she said.
“Making your prom dress is very unique.” She only had a few days before the event to crochet the dress, a nee.
