A Dress Made With Love: 14-Year-Old Courtney Lewis Designs Stunning Prom Gown for Her Big Sister

As prom season sweeps across the country, high school students everywhere are on the hunt for that one unforgettable look — the outfit that captures their personality, confidence, and dreams. But for one Maryland teen, the perfect dress didn’t come from a designer boutique or an online retailer. Instead, it came from the loving hands of her 14-year-old sister.

When Mikayla Lewis, a high school senior preparing for her final prom, mentioned her excitement about finding the perfect gown, her younger sister Courtney Lewis had an unexpected offer: she wanted to design and sew it herself. What began as a sweet gesture between sisters soon turned into a moving story of creativity, determination, and family support (Because of Them We Can).

“I wanted to challenge myself and get real experience in what it feels like to be a professional seamstress and gown designer,” Courtney said in an interview. “I thought it would be the perfect gift before Mikayla heads off to college.” (Because of Them We Can).

Most people might have hesitated — after all, Courtney had never made a full gown before. But Mikayla didn’t doubt her sister’s talent for a moment. “She’s always been artistic and detail-oriented,” she said. “I knew she could do it if she set her mind to it.”

Courtney began sketching her first designs in November 2018, researching fabric textures, color palettes, and gown structures. After weeks of brainstorming and a few sisterly consultations, she finalized her design early the next year. In February, she started sewing — turning her sketches into something real, thread by thread.

With guidance from her mentor, Syreeta Herbert, a local designer and seamstress, Courtney worked late nights and weekends to perfect the dress. “At the beginning, the process seemed very challenging,” she recalled. “At times I thought maybe it would be better if Mikayla just purchased a pre-made dress from a store. But my motivation was creating the dream dress my sister wanted and deserved.” (Because of Them We Can).

Finally, on April 22nd — just four days before prom — the masterpiece was complete. The result was nothing short of breathtaking: an elegant, hand-crafted gown that fit Mikayla perfectly. “I’m amazed that my little sister was able to create an original piece for me,” Mikayla said. “I was so happy to have a dress that no one else would have — something tailor-made with love.”

Their mother, Crystal Lewis, shared that Mikayla’s hard work and kindness made her deserving of such a special gesture. In addition to excelling academically, Mikayla has been a devoted role model for her younger siblings. “She helps care for her three sisters, volunteers at school, and still manages to maintain a 4.57 GPA,” Crystal said proudly (Good Morning America).

This fall, Mikayla will attend the University of Maryland, College Park, where she plans to major in Animal Science with dreams of becoming a veterinarian (Essence). Her sister couldn’t be prouder — and now has new confidence in her own future.

Courtney is currently a student at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., where she studies in the Technical Design and Production (TDP) program — a pre-professional track that provides instruction in audio, lighting, scenery, costumes, and production management (Duke Ellington School of the Arts official site). Creating her sister’s gown, she said, gave her “a glimpse of what it feels like to bring art to life.”

“I definitely see myself continuing in fashion,” Courtney said. “But I’m also interested in doll repainting, costume design, and even CosPlay. This experience showed me I can create anything if I believe in myself.” (People).

Fashion experts have also applauded the sisters’ story as an example of the growing trend of young Black designers shaping the future of creative industries. “Courtney’s work embodies the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that’s redefining fashion today,” said a style contributor for Essence. “What makes this story so beautiful is that it’s rooted in family — in love, patience, and the courage to try something new.”

In a world where fast fashion dominates prom culture, the Lewis sisters remind us that true beauty often comes from intention and effort. Mikayla’s gown wasn’t just a piece of clothing — it was a labor of love, stitched with faith, encouragement, and sisterhood.

As the night of prom arrived, Mikayla dazzled her classmates in the one-of-a-kind gown, earning admiration not just for her style but for the heartfelt story behind it. “Everyone was asking where I got my dress,” she said, laughing. “I just smiled and said, ‘My sister made it.’”

It’s safe to say these talented sisters will continue to inspire — pushing each other toward their dreams, celebrating each success, and proving that when creativity meets love, the results are nothing short of magical.