Once homeless, Atlanta teen thriving with handmade dresses

ATLANTA - Jimelle Levon, an 18-year-old fashion designer, became an internet sensation after he posted a picture of a hand sewed "Coming to America" inspired gown for his prom date.

The teenager learned how to sew at just 14, and now, at 18, his gowns are selling for up to $450 each. There's such a demand, that there is a waiting list for people who want his designs.

Recently, he caught the attention of Steve Harvey and even got to appear on his show. 

The Clark Atlanta University Freshmen has faced tremendous challenges. Homeless at age 10, he and his mother bounced from shelter to shelter for part of his life.

But Levon says that didn't discourage him. It was the fuel he needed to make a statement at his senior prom!

"I planned out what I wanted to do at prom and I said if I execute it right, like the movie it would be a viral sensation," Levon told FOX 5 News. 

The movie he's talking about is the 1988 film Coming To America. The outfits worn by the actors feature elaborate gold sequined gowns and jackets. After weeks at the sewing machine, the final product, just as he predicted, went viral.

He received thousands of likes on his social media accounts after posting images of the outfits.

The college student has been overwhelmed with requests for dresses. He told FOX 5 he has to turn some business away because he simply doesn't have time.

Levon is currently studying both fashion and business at Clark Atlanta.

He currently has two fashion lines. "Jimelle Levon" features beautiful prom dresses and his more casual sports line is called "KoldKut."

His next step is trying to get his dresses mass produced. He is also hoping that a local celebrity out there might wear one of his dresses.