A teenager is hoping to inspire other young girls with her African-inspired prom dress.
Makalaya Zanders of Cleveland, Ohio, US, wanted to wear a gown made from Ankara fabric, but claims she was told by a teacher it would be "tacky for prom".
The 18-year-old decided to prove them wrong, enlisting the help of designer DeAndre Crenshaw to create a stunning gown, which she rocked at the event.
"My dress was to make a point," Zanders wrote on Instagram.
"That African style is beautiful. That I am comfortable with my Melanin and roots. And finally that there's nothing like Black Girl Magic."
According to Zanders her date, who wore a matching blue suit, is "nonchalant" about their photos going viral as he doesn't have social media accounts.
Speaking to ABC News, the teen said she hoped her dress would inspire other young girls.
"I was told when I was younger that I was too dark, too this, too that," she said.
"I didn't grow up with black Barbies besides Brandy. As a young girl, I thought I didn't fit that standard, traditional definition of beautiful."
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