Teenager who handcrafted Princess Tiana-inspired prom dress receives special invitation to present at Disney

Layla Hildreth went viral for handcrafting a Disney Princess and the Frog-themed prom dress. Disney Imagineers recently recognized her abilities by inviting her to preview the new attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney’s new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at the Magic Kingdom on June 28 at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

The teen, who just graduated from Shades Valley High School in Alabama, told WRBC last month, “I’m going to Disney, guys! I have the opportunity to see the premiere before Disney Bayou opens. I get to see Tiana, go to a few parties and spend time with my family and all expenses paid.

Hildreth met voice actors Michael-Leon Wooley, who played Louis, and Anika Noni Rose, who played Princess Tiana in the film “The Princess and the Frog,” which inspired Hildreth’s clothes.

Hildreth’s story so fascinated Disney Imagineers that they invited her and her family to the resort, according to Charita Carter, executive creative producer of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Disney Imagineer. They also got to see the teen’s sparkly outfit debut during the “Dig a Little Deeper” showcase.

Hildreth said she taught herself to sew and got her first sewing machine when she was just 12 years old. She spent five months creating the dress, which earned her this opportunity.

The proud teen told Florida Today, “I didn’t expect the story to touch so many people. I know people my age have seen Tiana, but they don’t talk about it as much as they used to. So I’m just happy that it’s coming back.

As USA Today reports, Hildreth is currently working on more varsity jackets for Georgia State University, her future college, although she recently completed other projects that required altering her parents’ pants.

But rather than selling her art, she is currently perfecting her craft and using her abilities to make gifts for others.

She said: “I’m trying to learn how to use my embroidery machine better so I can actually start selling things. »