Chicago-area families say they were left scrambling for prom dresses after designer Makeda Evans allegedly failed to deliver custom gowns that customers say cost thousands of dollars, prompting outrage, police calls, and a wave of community support for affected teens.
Evans, owner of Makeda Designs in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, built a strong social media following by showcasing elaborate custom dresses for proms, weddings, and pageants. But in recent weeks, numerous families said communication with the designer abruptly stopped as prom season approached.
“She said come back the first week in May, she’ll have both of them ready. When May came, which was last week, she started going ghost,” parent Tatiana Gray told NBC Chicago.
Gray said she paid approximately $3,800 for two dresses for her daughter, according to NBC Chicago. Other families reported paying between $1,000 and over $2,000 for gowns they say were never completed or delivered in poor condition shortly before prom.
The parent prom dress riot
Some parents gathered outside the storefront at 1530 N. Pulaski Rd. this week after learning they might not receive the dresses in time. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as frustrated customers tried to retrieve gowns or seek refunds. NBC Chicago reported that police responded after concerns about a possible break-in at the business.
According to CBS News Chicago, at least one person later broke a window at the shop, and multiple people entered the building. Police have not publicly confirmed if anything was taken.
In a Facebook statement referenced by multiple local outlets, Evans apologized to customers and said she had checked herself into a hospital while experiencing what she described as a “serious mental health crisis.” She said she would not be able to complete the dresses immediately but intended to “work things out” with customers after receiving treatment.
NBC Chicago reported that Evans asked clients for “grace during this difficult time,” while acknowledging the emotional and financial toll on families.
The situation has sparked mixed reactions online and in the community. Some parents expressed anger and discussed pursuing legal action, while others focused on helping students salvage their prom experiences. Families and volunteers reportedly began donating dresses to teens who no longer had outfits for upcoming dances.
“I know we don’t like it or want to hear it, but we have to forgive her to free ourselves,” Gray told NBC Chicago, adding that families were working together to help students find replacement gowns before prom dates arrived.
What happened to Makeda Evans?
As of Friday, Evans’ current condition beyond her reported hospitalization has not been publicly confirmed. Local reports state that she said she was receiving mental health treatment, but no additional updates about her release, business operations, or potential criminal charges have been announced. Chicago police have confirmed investigating the break-in at the storefront, though authorities have not publicly announced charges related to customer complaints over the dresses
Published: May 16, 2026 03:28 pm