ILOSM fam,’ remember the days when prom attire used to simply include a tux, cummerbund, and bow tie for the fellas; and a taffeta dress, and corset for the ladies? With those prom essentials, you couldn’t TELL US we weren’t fly back then! Well, these days, the youngins have embraced new ways to be fly for prom, in more ways than one. Some, in particular, are even taking the opportunity to make not just fashion statements, but empowering statements from political, intellectual, and self-identity perspectives. That is exactly what high school senior, Skyler Branch, has just done for her prom and as a result, she is officially an internet sensation overnight…
Meet The Teen Who’s Prom Dress Has Everybody Talking
Skylar Branch, is a lovely young lady, who has just attended her 2018 prom at White Station High School in Memphis, TN, in a way that she will never forget. She has everyone talking about her satin gown, which she designed, to pay homage to the women who have inspired her. The gown has the images of not only her mother and grandmother, but also several celebs, including Janet Jackson; First Lady Michelle Obama (yes she’s still the first lady to me…but I digress); the late Aaliyah, Beyonce’, Oprah Winfrey, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Berry, and Jada Pinkett-Smith.
Skylar’s gown was inspired by her grandmother, whom she was extremely close to and she also posted another reason why she wanted to rock it on her Instagram page (swipe left):
“I decided I wanted to take all the black queens that made a difference in my life to prom w me I think I accomplished just that ❤️☺️ #blackqueens #blackexcellence”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhTEDDigELu/
Skylar’s mother, Dayna Branch, posted the below image of her daughter rockin’ her prom dress, with a caption that read:
“My daughter Skyler’s Branch’s Beautiful iconic Prom dress with iconic women including Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce, Jada, Janet, Halle & also including her mother, grandmothers & so many more. @MichelleObama @Oprah @JanetJackson @jadapsmith @halleberry @Beyonce”
My daughter Skyler's Branch's Beautiful iconic Prom dress with iconic women including Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce, Jada, Janet, Halle & also including her mother, grandmothers & so many more. @MichelleObama @Oprah @JanetJackson @jadapsmith @halleberry @Beyonce pic.twitter.com/tVU54a3XNB
— My Scented Flames (@myscentedflames) April 11, 2018
In an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle, Sylar’s mother further explained how her daughter’s concept for the prom dress came about:
“She said ‘Mom, there’s been so many extraordinary African-American women who have done so much for me. I want to show them some respect so that they know that not just the older adults, but the younger adults appreciate who paved the way.’”
Since her prom pics hit the internet, Skylar Branch has transformed from a normal Memphis teen, to ‘the viral social media girl with the EPIC prom dress,’ in a matter of days. She’s been featured on many websites, blogs, and other media sources, for her efforts to pay homage to her female heroes and promote women empowerment for all young people of her generation.
Many Show Love To Teen’s Epic Prom Dress
Thousands have left comments about Skylar Branch’s dress all over social media, big upping her and her mother for the wearable prom homage:
https://twitter.com/katmc68/status/984495008152719361
https://twitter.com/IAmTiffanyGill/status/984578709578571776
https://twitter.com/noshaderealitea/status/984521049667702784
https://twitter.com/MufarosDaughter/status/984532791827271681
Admittedly, I was expecting this dress to be garish when I read the blurb. Anything but!
Brava gorgeous Skyler!
And you, mom, for raising such an inspirational young woman.— Oma El 4 ☮️ (@ElntheSolutions) April 12, 2018
We definitely give an Old School fist bump and round of applause to Ms. Branch, for setting a very cool example for her peers.
While we’re on the topic of the evolution prom attire has gone through -especially since our taffeta gowns/cummerbund/jheri curl/Pump It Up hairspray era- check out a few more extravagant masterpieces young folks rock to prom nowdays…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhacJCZgB4Z/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhCMWhEgxs6/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg-N1ufA0DB/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhSlpJRgi6T/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhadHmEgHLr/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhadR4cAcfk/
Like I said, out are the days of the simple handmade prom dress and basic tux. In are the days of prom gear that’s fresh enough to be on the BET Awards’ red carpet, the Grammy’s stage, the Stellar Gospel Awards and the Oscar’s ceremony combined. Do your thang young folk…do your thang!
