These African-Inspired Prom Looks Are Giving Us Life

DIASPORA—Prom season 2017 is in full effect, and much like last year—and in 2015, when New Jersey design student, Kyemah McEntyre, debuted her internet-stopping dashiki-style gown—some of the most stunning looks this year have been African-inspired ensembles.

Teens from the diaspora are rocking these statement ensembles to standout on prom day—of course—but many are also donning them in order to show pride in their heritage.

From mermaid dresses to matching top and bottom sets, young prom-goers are proving that you really can’t go wrong with bold wax print, vibrant kente cloth and a well-tailored design.

We’ve scoped social media for some of the best African-style prom looks so far. Check them out below.

#prom2k17 #african #beauty #westafrican #handmadedress Shout out to my MOTHER for handmaking my dress❤ love her🤙🏿 Prom was GREAT❤ pic.twitter.com/GQS3jhEkXw

— AfricanPureCocoaSkin (@RommiiShayla) April 29, 2017

They went African for their prom🌍💚🌍#prom #couple #dress #ankaraprint #relationshipgoals #OOTD #prom2k17 #cute #love #African pic.twitter.com/rT5OYhngR9

— African Style Diary (@African_S_Diary) April 27, 2017

Bring Black Back 🔥 #prom2k17

A post shared by 👑. Melanin Queen (@she.haitain_) on Apr 29, 2017 at 7:45am PDT

Rp from @healthy_hair_journey 😍😍😍 #prom #prom2017 #prom2k17

A post shared by Zillass #PromKillas #Slayage (@promkillas) on Apr 25, 2017 at 5:07pm PDT

Prom 2017#africanbeauty #africanfashion #liberianbeauty #PPC#africanpromdress#

A post shared by Preciouspieces (@preciouspiecescouture) on May 2, 2017 at 11:51am PDT

Bring Black Back 🔥 #prom2k17

A post shared by 👑. Melanin Queen (@she.haitain_) on Apr 29, 2017 at 7:45am PDT

My baby's senior prom! #embracingheruniqueness #prom2k17 #melaningoddess #melanin #paparazziaccesories #paparazzibracelet #paparazziring #naturalhair #healthyhair #africanfashion #africanprint #africanpromdress

A post shared by yrmosley (@yrmosley) on Apr 29, 2017 at 8:38pm PDT

Yes we put up our own backdrop because the prom theme didn't match her dress 😜😜😜Heaven's Senior Prom Prep #prom2k17 @chrisaboudy is behind the camera, @beckyrichness on hair , @efacialspa (My middle sister Elise) on makeup and this magnificent dress was made by my Other sister @emma_ly_peel she's a BEAST!!!!! I'm so proud. I'm so happy for Heaven. #prom #africanpromdress #kente #kentecloth #kentedress #style #fashion

A post shared by Chef Toya (@cheftoya) on Apr 22, 2017 at 10:03pm PDT

Serving Looks and Giving Life 👑 #africanpromdress @true.fond

A post shared by That Dancer 💃 (@teleahdances) on May 7, 2017 at 12:09pm PDT

First pic of prom 2017 😍

A post shared by PROM TIME 2016 😁⌚️🔥💕😍 (@prombeauties) on Mar 13, 2017 at 6:40pm PDT

This beautiful young lady approached us 3 weeks ago and said i quote " i am Haitian living in connecticut i want to look like an African Queen and SLAY at my prom" that was all the brief we needed. So we modified the ENYA dress and gave her a mermaid skirt with a looooong train. https://www.stylesafrik.co.uk/product/enya-one-shoulder-patchwork-dress/ We think @shine_ika_ looked absolutely amazing such a Royal Queen with her King wearing the Matching male accesory set. Do you think we met the brief? To customise your Enya dress pls.send us a DM or email to info@stylesafrik.co.uk. #occasionwear #Africanprintdress #ankaraprintstyles #ankaradesigns #guba #akwaaba #missghanauk #africanprintdress #slay #slayed #bridesmaiddresses #straplessdress #africanbridesmaids #africanbride #kentebride #kenteprintdress #kentecloth #guba #fashionbloggers #ASOS #ocassionwear #akwaabauk #redcarpet #oscars #couturedresses #prom2017 #promdress #bridesmaids #kentebride #ghanabrides #prom2k17 #promslayage2k17

A post shared by StylesAfrik.co.uk (@stylesafrik.co.uk) on May 6, 2017 at 2:08am PDT

A post shared by PROM2017😫😩😍😍🙌💋 (@prompic2k17) on May 9, 2017 at 5:28pm PDT

Had to do it for the culture🇳🇬

A post shared by PROM2017😫😩😍😍🙌💋 (@prompic2k17) on Apr 15, 2017 at 7:51am PDT