Teen Recreated Beyonce's Gown For Prom With Walmart Supplies & It's Amazing
She's the female version of a hustler.
Remember Beyonce's sheer Givenchy Met Gala gown, complete with gorgeous gems that covered her bits? Of course you do, and so did India Ross, an 18-year-old high school student from St. Louis, Missouri who recreated it for her prom this year.
It's been a couple of years since prom for me, but I'm pretty sure dresses like this, don't come around very often (especially in St. Louis. And I should know because it's my hometown).
But, if this dress looks a little familiar, there's a good reason for that.
It basically broke the Internet when Beyonce wore this stunning Givenchy frock to the Met Gala last year. India Ross, a student from St. Louis, MO, had her prom dress designed with Bey's beautiful gown as the inspiration, and DAMN. It's safe to say she nailed the look, perfect spiral pony and all.
India may not have had the resources of Beyonce, but she had a vision and the determination to make it work.
The teen approached a local designer back in April. "When I gave the designer my money, I said, 'Can you make me feel like I'm Beyoncé ?' And that's what she did," said Ross. India worked with her designer to create a version of the gown that was more economically feasible. They sourced mesh for the material, but doubled the fabric—because obviously the girl couldn't go naked. As a finishing touch, India found some gems at Michael's which were strategically applied to the gown.
Recreating the iconic look was no easy feat, and the dress actually didn't come together until the very last minute.
While India says she and the designer touched base daily to discuss the progress of the project, the dress wasn't actually finished until the day of my prom at 5 p.m. "I was freaking out," India said. With prom doors opening at 9 p.m., the designer was literally working on the dress in the 9th inning.
Of course, India got some Internet backlash, but that didn't affect her one bit.
Some haters called her dress a "cheap knock-off" and focused on the fact that her dress wasn't as see through as Bey's—duh. This girl is attending a school event. Having all of her young lady bit out hardly seems appropriate.
India addressed the comments head-on by writing on her Instagram:
"The fact that people think I let ignorance ruin me, let's make this clear, I do not think I'm Beyonce, but she's my inspiration. I think somebody is confused on an inspiration. Just because she has on a #Givenchy dress [doesn't] mean [I'm] supposed to have a million dollar dress on. I still look soGgod damn fine in my Walmart, eBay, Michaels, cheap looking #givenchy dress #islay I sure hell did a good job. Give credit when due #crownus #blackmagic And you're never [going to] find a pony NAILED as mine #prom2k16 please save all your negative comments off my page"
It's a rarity to find a girl India's age so self-aware and confident. Rather than mimicking celebrities as a way of defining herself, India has a very clear identity and explains how Beyonce, like other celebrities in the limelight, merely serve as inspiration—particularly when it comes to fashion.
It's no surprise this little diva hustler is looking to continue her passion on a professional level.
India plans to continue her education at Chicago's Columbia University with a double major in Fashion Business and Fashion Merchandising. She also hopes to pursue a minor in PR and Fashion Merchandising. Go for it, India. You're doing the STL proud, girl. :)