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Bullied Teen Designs Her Own Prom Dress To Fight Bullying And Becomes Prom Queen
18-year-old Kyemah McEntyre designed a prom dress is anything but typical. The New Jersey resident, inspired by her African heritage, had a local seamstress from Markell’s Closet hand-sew the dress from McEntyre’s sketch. She explained the motivation behind her dress on Instagram and Twitter:
“I am 18 years old and I am undoubtedly of African Descent. As an artist I have a completely different point of view compared to most individuals. I am extremely analytical and observant,” McEntyre writes. “This is for always being labeled as, ‘ugly’ or ‘angry’. Thank God, stereotypes are just opinions.”
McEntyre was chosen to be prom queen, and this fall she will be attending the Parsons School of Design.
More info: markellscloset.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Kyemah McEntyre was bullied in high-school
So she decided to do something different for Prom
McEntyre designed a dress inspired by her African heritage
“This is for always being labeled as, “ugly” or “angry”. Thank God, stereotypes are just opinions” she wrote on Twitter
McEntyre was chosen Prom Queen
“As an artist I have a completely different point of view compared to most individuals”
“I am extremely analytical and observant”
“The most creative people are the ones who step out of their comfort zone and take advantage of the world around them”
“Being exposed to all kinds of people and cultures is the muse for my artwork”
“Don’t let anyone define you. Beautiful things happen when you take pride in yourself”
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What do you think ?
EkaterinaPonchak 9 years ago
i just don't understand those ready-to-jump-out boobs on a Prom party.... hmm
MikeDeNorth 9 years ago
OMG, A beautiful girl in an absolutely beautiful dress and you have a problem with her boobs! Get a freaking life would you! quit worrying about what others do or don't do and worry about yourself! I think she looks wonderful.....
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RichardRoosenboom 9 years ago
How on earth could she have been called ugly? Many people in New Jersey need a new pair of glasses....
RichardRoosenboom 9 years ago
How could they consider her as ugly? I think many people in New Jersey need new glasses. She's stunning.
Imperfekt 9 years ago
I'm a little conflicted. The gown is gorgeous. The girl is likewise gorgeous, but I have a difficult time believing there's a high school that would allow that much top exposure. And her classmates call her ugly and angry and bully her but surprisingly vote her prom queen?
LynetteFoxen 9 years ago
As inspiring as stories like these are the dress is far too revealing for a high school prom and this woman is model gorgeous. It wouldn't surprise me if it were made up to promote her design and name. There's just too much off here. If I'm wrong-good for her but if this is a scam it insults people who are actually bullied.
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RyanByrne 9 years ago
They let her win prom queen so she would have a sash to cover her breasts
CarolGermain 8 years ago
ha ha ha - exactly, and interestingly, with the sash on you can more appreciate the beauty of the girl and the dress.
Load More Replies... KathleenWhite 9 years ago
I can't understand how anyone could possible find this girl less than gorgeous
FurnishMyWay_Blog 9 years ago
Apparel can tell us a lot about the personality of the wearer. This dress takes it even further because she designed it herself. She's clearly extremely confident and wears it well! Beautiful dress for a beautiful girl!
LauraFox 9 years ago
I didn't grow up on a farm but I know bullshi* when I smell it. No way she was bullied, no way she just "became" prom queen and no way is she ugly. I'm happy for her and her gorgeous design and luscious boobs but u just can't believe any of this. As a bullied kid in school, I don't think she knows what it's really like.
GlennStewart 9 years ago
Exactly, finally someone who makes sense, like you I've nothing against the girl but I just can't believe she's been hurt by bullying. Reading her quotes it's obvious that she is brimming with confidence (not surprising given her looks and talent) great for her but it's offensive to claim this as a "score" for the bullied. If we really cared about bullying, victimization and feelings we'd campaign to ban the whole 'Prom King and Queen" shite that singles out two "winners" over the rest of the pathetic losers. Based on looks, money and "popularity", the whole thing creates so much more pain and misery than happiness, even if you believe in fairy stories like the above story it's not a civilized way to judge people, especially at such a vulnerable age
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IlseDenBesten 9 years ago
I love the dress but when an 18-year old says 'as an artist' and 'I am extremely observant and analytical' I can't help but think she is also extremely pretentious.
GlennStewart 9 years ago
Exactly, and on top of everything she's milking us for sympathy because she was "bullied" , I've seen people's lives literally destroyed by bullying and I feel BoredPanda is starting to use the expression a bit too lightly in headlines recently.
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LisaRowe 9 years ago
she's beautiful! And I can relate with her on the whole cheerleader mentality that ifyou are different looking than other people (maybe have a serious minded face mistaken for 'angry') that people do judge or bully. It happened to me in high school too. Or you are a creative thinker who keeps to yourself. We are all made different for a reason not to all pop out of the womb with big plastic smiles and pom poms;)
TishaM.Scott 9 years ago
She is gorgeous and that dress is beautiful! If she keeps it up, she could be a great fashion designer.
LianeFleury 9 years ago
She looks gorgeous!! Love the dress. BTW all of you commenting on her cleavage.....the dress is very tastefully done. And, as a retired teacher, I've seen dresses a lot worse!! I would much rather girls wear something like this than those skin tight strapless dresses, which squish the girls boobs together and up. Talk about cleavage, they look ready to pop out at any moment. I've seen it happen!!
GlennStewart 9 years ago
I don't buy it, this girl is not lacking in confidence, talented and is naturally beautiful looking, therefore this story doesn't give much comfort for the average victim of bullying...
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kimikosmom 9 years ago
Women have accepted body shaming for far too long. Prom means that she will be off to college soon, or out in the world where she's going to be objectified simply because she was born of female gender. So sad that all the fuss is about cleavage. This young lady designed a dress paying homage to her culture, because she was labeled as ugly and angry. She's clearly intelligent, if you took the time to read the article. All women are beautiful. We each face the same challenges every day. Because she showed cleavage does it make it ok to be sexualized? What about the lack thereof? I'm not sure, maybe I'm naive to think that it's possible for people to accept each other for who they are rather than what they perceive to be.
LindaWhite 9 years ago
I reckon the bullying occurred because they were jealous of your beauty and don't get your mind obviously! So what about the boobs, this post isn't about BOOBS!! Have you even bothered to read any of this!!!
LianeFleury 9 years ago
Exactly!! I find it pathetic that people always have to make neg. comments about something other than the story itself.
Load More Replies...
SoniaMartins 9 years ago
Who the hell is calling her ugly?! People who must be jealous of her. Keep your head up girl and fantastic work on the dress, it is beautiful!
LisaPeterson 9 years ago
Kyemah is a gorgeous and talented young lady. I agree with those who have expressed their disappointment in her lack of modesty, however; that is the only distracting part of the beautiful dress, and it doesn't help the cause of women when any of us promote others' objectifying us. I do wish her well in her career - she's off to a wonderful start, and I know she'll be appreciated more in that field than in high school!
TinaLavoie 9 years ago
She is divine! And very talented. Yeah, a bit much cleavage for a high school prom, and I'm frankly surprised they allowed it, but I'm glad they did, because she deserved to shine.
joshuasteinert 9 years ago
I think some think they are claiming they are/were bullied as a marketing scheme
Lovelybae9353 8 years ago
OMG!! Who would call her a bully!!! Cheer up!! You people need some glasses
cyrenestodomingo 8 years ago
this inspires me to write my next blog, and to push through my critical thinking again. you proved thousands of your readers that from simple to being extravagant starts from scratch of artistic mind. applause!
TracieRathsack 8 years ago
I love the dress - but I am of two minds about the cleavage. I feel it's inappropriate for a school function, but I am unsure if my initial response is due to programming that girls showing skin is "bad" and "irresponsible" or if it's that I genuinely think that there are ways to show fashion without having to show that much skin. I like that it makes me question myself, so, in that regard, she gets the win and a point across.
PaulaParker 8 years ago
Eighteen? This girl has style, wisdom, grace and sophistication far beyond her years. The total image is breathtaking.
BaylaStJames 8 years ago
Beautiful girl, beautiful dress, but please. Why the boob show? Just because you have them doesn't mean they should be hanging out all over the place. And what does exposing them have to do with bullying?
KristinaHileLonon 8 years ago
It's a lovely dress, just not appropriate on a kid going to s high school dance. Appalled her folks let her out the door in it and even more stunned that the school allowed it. Other than the age and situational issues, the dress is well done and would look fabulous on someone in their twenties!
MaysaNiyazova 9 years ago
She is gorgeous, her whole look is incredibly fashionable and red-carpet-y, and that dress is amazing. HOWEVER I don't see all the fascination with it, because the dress design itself is quite simple. It's the fabric that makes it stand out. Did she design the fabric as well, and have it especially made for her? Because some people do. If so, then yes. Let's all go nuts.
DaraFebriana 9 years ago
Congratulation for being chosen as the prom queen, the dress is very beautiful indeed and hopefully you can make more beautiful dresses in the future.
EmmaStoneFan4ever 9 years ago
Such a beautiful dress! Keep it up, girl, and you might be a famous designer!
AliciaToni-Louise 9 years ago
how can anyone call her ugly? she is beautiful, talented and shows she is powerful and strong. A great role model to the younger generation. Be yourself and screw those who want to be narrow minded, there world will stay small whilst your expands beyond their wildest dreams.
guthrie6480 9 years ago
How did she get into the prom? Most schools around here would never allow her inside, way too much boob
JennyWiegand 9 years ago
Absolutely beautiful dress and talented designer but I'm with the others a little inappropriate for high age.
MollyFrederiksen 9 years ago
Maybe they made her prom queen because the sash would cover up her boobs??
KathleenWhite 9 years ago
I don't understand how anyone could find this girl less than gorgeous
HelenMagro 9 years ago
She will definitely have a future in design. Fantastic, better than Gucci
ElenaN.Akasha 9 years ago
i THINK SHE IS APSOLUTELY : STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!!! The dress is simply GORGEOUS!!! as i read in thebelow comments abt her boobs-IF YOU HAVETHEM FLAUNT THEM!!! YOU ARE 18 or 21,ONCE!!!
CrackrJax 9 years ago
Haha it's hilarious that commenters are jumping on her breasts. It's funny how a post about not judging became just that! Her breasts did NOT overtake the dress at all. When I looked at that dress, her boobs were an after thought. That dress is incredibly designed, and it draws your eyes to it, not her girls. Which are lovely by the way. Ladies have boobs, and boobs are awesome. Deal with it.
JulieBryant-Sullivan 9 years ago
Kyemah designed a dress honouring her African heritage, which does not have an issue with exposed breasts. The dress in all covers much more than many of the designer Prom dresses which look like Vegas costumes. I think it is elegant, beautiful and original.
JulieBryant-Sullivan 9 years ago
Kyemah is covered a great deal more than many of the designer Prom dresses which look like Vegas costumes. Her culture heritage, does not have an issue with exposed breasts. In fact in the early centuries many Caucasian cultures also had exposed breasts as couture. Finally her boobs look firm enough to stay put exactly where they are placed - sour grapes?
MikeHoyes 9 years ago
I cant believe some of the comments from some of the females here ! give the girl a break. Out of bullying came her spirit to fight back in a positive and creative way. FOr gods sake she's only 18. It's better to see this than have her as another statistical suicide. Some of you women need to start thinking outside the box and stop being prudish and b****y.
MikeHoyes 9 years ago
I think some of the comments from other women here are stereotypical prudishness. The whole point of this is about her guts to stand up for herself and show her pride in her heritage. Out of pain from bullying came creativity from her own spirit to fight back. Give the girl a break and pull your claws back in !
KellyWhite 9 years ago
When she's 90, she will smile looking back at those who classed their pearls and gasped at this vision of a confident African -American woman with all the sensuality, beauty, and power of womanhood in the palm of her pretty little hand...to have designed it AND commissioned it, AND have us reading about it... you go, girl:)
KellyWhite 9 years ago
Boobs schmoobs. Women have breasts. She is incredibly tasteful.
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SavannahGentry 9 years ago
She chose to turn negative experiences into something powerful and the only thing people seem to care about is whether her breasts are appropriate? A person can wear what they want and should not be shamed for that because she's not dressing for you or anyone else other than herself. Yes, women have breasts and men have breasts and yet guy breasts aren't commented on, so stop it.
fantasycreature 9 years ago
The first thing I see is the giant stylized vagina in the front. Maybe I should talk my therapsit..
EkaterinaPonchak 9 years ago
i just don't understand those ready-to-jump-out boobs on a Prom party.... hmm
MikeDeNorth 9 years ago
OMG, A beautiful girl in an absolutely beautiful dress and you have a problem with her boobs! Get a freaking life would you! quit worrying about what others do or don't do and worry about yourself! I think she looks wonderful.....
Load More Replies... RichardRoosenboom 9 years ago
How on earth could she have been called ugly? Many people in New Jersey need a new pair of glasses....
RichardRoosenboom 9 years ago
How could they consider her as ugly? I think many people in New Jersey need new glasses. She's stunning.
Imperfekt 9 years ago
I'm a little conflicted. The gown is gorgeous. The girl is likewise gorgeous, but I have a difficult time believing there's a high school that would allow that much top exposure. And her classmates call her ugly and angry and bully her but surprisingly vote her prom queen?
LynetteFoxen 9 years ago
As inspiring as stories like these are the dress is far too revealing for a high school prom and this woman is model gorgeous. It wouldn't surprise me if it were made up to promote her design and name. There's just too much off here. If I'm wrong-good for her but if this is a scam it insults people who are actually bullied.
Load More Replies... RyanByrne 9 years ago
They let her win prom queen so she would have a sash to cover her breasts
CarolGermain 8 years ago
ha ha ha - exactly, and interestingly, with the sash on you can more appreciate the beauty of the girl and the dress.
Load More Replies... KathleenWhite 9 years ago
I can't understand how anyone could possible find this girl less than gorgeous
FurnishMyWay_Blog 9 years ago
Apparel can tell us a lot about the personality of the wearer. This dress takes it even further because she designed it herself. She's clearly extremely confident and wears it well! Beautiful dress for a beautiful girl!
LauraFox 9 years ago
I didn't grow up on a farm but I know bullshi* when I smell it. No way she was bullied, no way she just "became" prom queen and no way is she ugly. I'm happy for her and her gorgeous design and luscious boobs but u just can't believe any of this. As a bullied kid in school, I don't think she knows what it's really like.
GlennStewart 9 years ago
Exactly, finally someone who makes sense, like you I've nothing against the girl but I just can't believe she's been hurt by bullying. Reading her quotes it's obvious that she is brimming with confidence (not surprising given her looks and talent) great for her but it's offensive to claim this as a "score" for the bullied. If we really cared about bullying, victimization and feelings we'd campaign to ban the whole 'Prom King and Queen" shite that singles out two "winners" over the rest of the pathetic losers. Based on looks, money and "popularity", the whole thing creates so much more pain and misery than happiness, even if you believe in fairy stories like the above story it's not a civilized way to judge people, especially at such a vulnerable age
Load More Replies... IlseDenBesten 9 years ago
I love the dress but when an 18-year old says 'as an artist' and 'I am extremely observant and analytical' I can't help but think she is also extremely pretentious.
GlennStewart 9 years ago
Exactly, and on top of everything she's milking us for sympathy because she was "bullied" , I've seen people's lives literally destroyed by bullying and I feel BoredPanda is starting to use the expression a bit too lightly in headlines recently.
Load More Replies... LisaRowe 9 years ago
she's beautiful! And I can relate with her on the whole cheerleader mentality that ifyou are different looking than other people (maybe have a serious minded face mistaken for 'angry') that people do judge or bully. It happened to me in high school too. Or you are a creative thinker who keeps to yourself. We are all made different for a reason not to all pop out of the womb with big plastic smiles and pom poms;)
TishaM.Scott 9 years ago
She is gorgeous and that dress is beautiful! If she keeps it up, she could be a great fashion designer.
LianeFleury 9 years ago
She looks gorgeous!! Love the dress. BTW all of you commenting on her cleavage.....the dress is very tastefully done. And, as a retired teacher, I've seen dresses a lot worse!! I would much rather girls wear something like this than those skin tight strapless dresses, which squish the girls boobs together and up. Talk about cleavage, they look ready to pop out at any moment. I've seen it happen!!
GlennStewart 9 years ago
I don't buy it, this girl is not lacking in confidence, talented and is naturally beautiful looking, therefore this story doesn't give much comfort for the average victim of bullying...
Load More Replies... kimikosmom 9 years ago
Women have accepted body shaming for far too long. Prom means that she will be off to college soon, or out in the world where she's going to be objectified simply because she was born of female gender. So sad that all the fuss is about cleavage. This young lady designed a dress paying homage to her culture, because she was labeled as ugly and angry. She's clearly intelligent, if you took the time to read the article. All women are beautiful. We each face the same challenges every day. Because she showed cleavage does it make it ok to be sexualized? What about the lack thereof? I'm not sure, maybe I'm naive to think that it's possible for people to accept each other for who they are rather than what they perceive to be.
LindaWhite 9 years ago
I reckon the bullying occurred because they were jealous of your beauty and don't get your mind obviously! So what about the boobs, this post isn't about BOOBS!! Have you even bothered to read any of this!!!
LianeFleury 9 years ago
Exactly!! I find it pathetic that people always have to make neg. comments about something other than the story itself.
Load More Replies... SoniaMartins 9 years ago
Who the hell is calling her ugly?! People who must be jealous of her. Keep your head up girl and fantastic work on the dress, it is beautiful!
LisaPeterson 9 years ago
Kyemah is a gorgeous and talented young lady. I agree with those who have expressed their disappointment in her lack of modesty, however; that is the only distracting part of the beautiful dress, and it doesn't help the cause of women when any of us promote others' objectifying us. I do wish her well in her career - she's off to a wonderful start, and I know she'll be appreciated more in that field than in high school!
TinaLavoie 9 years ago
She is divine! And very talented. Yeah, a bit much cleavage for a high school prom, and I'm frankly surprised they allowed it, but I'm glad they did, because she deserved to shine.
joshuasteinert 9 years ago
I think some think they are claiming they are/were bullied as a marketing scheme
Lovelybae9353 8 years ago
OMG!! Who would call her a bully!!! Cheer up!! You people need some glasses
cyrenestodomingo 8 years ago
this inspires me to write my next blog, and to push through my critical thinking again. you proved thousands of your readers that from simple to being extravagant starts from scratch of artistic mind. applause!
TracieRathsack 8 years ago
I love the dress - but I am of two minds about the cleavage. I feel it's inappropriate for a school function, but I am unsure if my initial response is due to programming that girls showing skin is "bad" and "irresponsible" or if it's that I genuinely think that there are ways to show fashion without having to show that much skin. I like that it makes me question myself, so, in that regard, she gets the win and a point across.
PaulaParker 8 years ago
Eighteen? This girl has style, wisdom, grace and sophistication far beyond her years. The total image is breathtaking.
BaylaStJames 8 years ago
Beautiful girl, beautiful dress, but please. Why the boob show? Just because you have them doesn't mean they should be hanging out all over the place. And what does exposing them have to do with bullying?
KristinaHileLonon 8 years ago
It's a lovely dress, just not appropriate on a kid going to s high school dance. Appalled her folks let her out the door in it and even more stunned that the school allowed it. Other than the age and situational issues, the dress is well done and would look fabulous on someone in their twenties!
MaysaNiyazova 9 years ago
She is gorgeous, her whole look is incredibly fashionable and red-carpet-y, and that dress is amazing. HOWEVER I don't see all the fascination with it, because the dress design itself is quite simple. It's the fabric that makes it stand out. Did she design the fabric as well, and have it especially made for her? Because some people do. If so, then yes. Let's all go nuts.
DaraFebriana 9 years ago
Congratulation for being chosen as the prom queen, the dress is very beautiful indeed and hopefully you can make more beautiful dresses in the future.
EmmaStoneFan4ever 9 years ago
Such a beautiful dress! Keep it up, girl, and you might be a famous designer!
AliciaToni-Louise 9 years ago
how can anyone call her ugly? she is beautiful, talented and shows she is powerful and strong. A great role model to the younger generation. Be yourself and screw those who want to be narrow minded, there world will stay small whilst your expands beyond their wildest dreams.
guthrie6480 9 years ago
How did she get into the prom? Most schools around here would never allow her inside, way too much boob
JennyWiegand 9 years ago
Absolutely beautiful dress and talented designer but I'm with the others a little inappropriate for high age.
MollyFrederiksen 9 years ago
Maybe they made her prom queen because the sash would cover up her boobs??
KathleenWhite 9 years ago
I don't understand how anyone could find this girl less than gorgeous
HelenMagro 9 years ago
She will definitely have a future in design. Fantastic, better than Gucci
ElenaN.Akasha 9 years ago
i THINK SHE IS APSOLUTELY : STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!!! The dress is simply GORGEOUS!!! as i read in thebelow comments abt her boobs-IF YOU HAVETHEM FLAUNT THEM!!! YOU ARE 18 or 21,ONCE!!!
CrackrJax 9 years ago
Haha it's hilarious that commenters are jumping on her breasts. It's funny how a post about not judging became just that! Her breasts did NOT overtake the dress at all. When I looked at that dress, her boobs were an after thought. That dress is incredibly designed, and it draws your eyes to it, not her girls. Which are lovely by the way. Ladies have boobs, and boobs are awesome. Deal with it.
JulieBryant-Sullivan 9 years ago
Kyemah designed a dress honouring her African heritage, which does not have an issue with exposed breasts. The dress in all covers much more than many of the designer Prom dresses which look like Vegas costumes. I think it is elegant, beautiful and original.
JulieBryant-Sullivan 9 years ago
Kyemah is covered a great deal more than many of the designer Prom dresses which look like Vegas costumes. Her culture heritage, does not have an issue with exposed breasts. In fact in the early centuries many Caucasian cultures also had exposed breasts as couture. Finally her boobs look firm enough to stay put exactly where they are placed - sour grapes?
MikeHoyes 9 years ago
I cant believe some of the comments from some of the females here ! give the girl a break. Out of bullying came her spirit to fight back in a positive and creative way. FOr gods sake she's only 18. It's better to see this than have her as another statistical suicide. Some of you women need to start thinking outside the box and stop being prudish and b****y.
MikeHoyes 9 years ago
I think some of the comments from other women here are stereotypical prudishness. The whole point of this is about her guts to stand up for herself and show her pride in her heritage. Out of pain from bullying came creativity from her own spirit to fight back. Give the girl a break and pull your claws back in !
KellyWhite 9 years ago
When she's 90, she will smile looking back at those who classed their pearls and gasped at this vision of a confident African -American woman with all the sensuality, beauty, and power of womanhood in the palm of her pretty little hand...to have designed it AND commissioned it, AND have us reading about it... you go, girl:)
KellyWhite 9 years ago
Boobs schmoobs. Women have breasts. She is incredibly tasteful.
Load More Replies... SavannahGentry 9 years ago
She chose to turn negative experiences into something powerful and the only thing people seem to care about is whether her breasts are appropriate? A person can wear what they want and should not be shamed for that because she's not dressing for you or anyone else other than herself. Yes, women have breasts and men have breasts and yet guy breasts aren't commented on, so stop it.
fantasycreature 9 years ago
The first thing I see is the giant stylized vagina in the front. Maybe I should talk my therapsit..
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