My dress was inspired by my experience growing up as a girl and struggling with beauty standards and expectations of femininity. For a long time, I felt pressured to be pretty, sweet, polished, and admired. The strawberry cake theme came from the expectation for women to be beautiful and decorated, almost like a dessert made for others to look at and enjoy. The giant fork attached to the outfit represents how draining and consuming those expectations felt to me. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time comparing myself to others and worrying about whether I was "pretty" enough. In a way, I was trying to fit that "cake mold" image of a perfect woman, and it was slowly eating away at my confidence. The fork symbolizes that feeling of being consumed by society's idea of what a girl should be. As I grew older, I became more comfortable with myself, learning fashion, makeup, and self-expression. I realized that femininity could be something I enjoyed and defined for myself rather than something forced or performative. In the process, I learned that my worth isn’t determined by how closely I fit an ideal. 

My outfit was inspired by the Met Gala, couture fashion, and the dramatic silhouettes often seen on the red carpet. I wanted the look to feel structured, tailored, and elevated while still reflecting my personal style. To create the outfit, I made large, fabric-like panels by layering strips of duct tape together, then used patterns to shape and assemble the pieces. I also made the accessories, including a tie-inspired necklace and chain details made from rope covered in metallic Duct Tape Brand HVAC tape. The final look combined sharp structure with couture-inspired styling elements.

My inspiration for this dress comes from my love of fashion. Fashion has always been a creative outlet for me, especially when it comes to upcycling clothing. One of my favorite things to do is take thrifted pieces and transform them into something new. Throughout my years of sewing, I’ve noticed that I am constantly drawn to polka dots. Whenever I’m thrifting, polka-dot fabrics always seem to catch my eye, and I tend to pick them over other fabric patterns. As I brainstormed ideas for my duct tape dress, I had countless designs running through my mind. Ultimately, I decided the best approach was to create something that felt authentic to my personal style. Because of that, polka dots became the foundation of my design. I decided a silhouette inspired by princess gowns was my way to go, especially since I have always wanted to create one. However, I wanted to add my own unique twist by creating an oversized skirt that spreads into a giant circle when I sit down, making the dress feel larger. Creating this dress has challenged me in many ways. It pushed me to think creatively, solve design problems, and step outside my comfort zone. Most importantly, it allowed me to create something completely original using a material I had never worked with before. Through this project, I was able to combine my passion for fashion, creativity, and transformation into a design that truly represents who I am.

First in Flight. That’s what’s written on nearly every license plate in my home state of North Carolina. Perhaps the claim is somewhat controversial, but it’s worth wondering why this, more than anything else, is what my state wants to be known for. Why is flight so important? My answer is that to fly is to break free from the limits of the earth, and that’s something that everyone wants. This suit represents dreams and ambitions that reach sky high—improbable fantasies that can nevertheless become reality through determination and hard work. 
   
Nothing worthwhile can be done without a good amount of work, and flight is no exception. Wilbur and Orville Wright spent years on their flying machines, and today every space mission takes hundreds or even thousands of people working together to launch. In a small way, my Duck Tape suit is similar, because it took so much work to make. I incorporated pointe shoes into the design because they symbolize how hard it is to achieve great things. Pointe shoes are beautiful and graceful, but they are also very painful and take years of training to wear. It’s hard to get even a few inches closer to the clouds. Everything beautiful, from space flight to ballet to a Duck Tape costume, takes a lot of work to create. But when you’re willing to pour yourself into a project like this, then your work becomes wings that can lift you off the ground, wings of power and inspiration that carry you into the sky.

This was by far the most ambitious craft project I have ever attempted, and it took a lot of problem-solving and learning new skills. For the wings, I made a structure out of cardboard, adding layers and using modeling clay for a more 3D shape. Then I covered the cardboard with 180 individual Duck Tape feathers, and almost 40 long strips of Duck Tape feathers, all of which I cut out by hand. I layered and folded the feathers to create texture, imitating real life bird wings. For the rest of the suit, I covered a clothing base with two layers of Duck Tape for a smooth, glossy and opaque surface. I used white and sky blue on the jacket and shirt to represent the sky in daytime, and dark blue on the pants for night. Before starting this project, I had been making paper beads, so of course I tried the technique on Duck Tape! I measured and cut long triangular strips of white and silver tape, then rolled them up into beads. It worked very well, although it was extremely time consuming. I made more than 220 beads, and sewed them onto the pants to imitate stars in the night sky. One of my favorite parts of the design is the Zodiac sign belt. To make the signs, I drew the pictures on parchment paper, covered it in Duck Tape, and then cut out the drawings. Then I peeled off the parchment paper and stuck the signs onto my Duck Tape belt. The feathers on the hairclips and pointe shoes are also made completely from Duck Tape. I had a lot of fun making this suit, and looking through the amazing entries and past winners. I’m very grateful to my family and friends for being so encouraging and enthusiastic, and especially to my cousins, who told me about this competition in the first place!

My mother always said, “Duck Tape is a woman’s best friend”. And I believe that to be true.

She has accompanied me through every arduous backpacking mile. A silent friend wrapped around my water bottles, quietly waiting to help in times of need. She has protected every blister before it starts, patched every boot whose threads had unwound, and mended every rip in my rain gear that had caught on a thorny bush. When wrapped around my hiking poles, my ol’ friend even stood between a black bear and me on the West Coast Trail….a true friend indeed! But she evolved to represent much more than a trusty backpacking friend. She helped me create an image in a dress that symbolized the passion, morals, and ethics of who I am becoming. Someone shaped by the outdoors, whose respect for the natural world and the creatures within it has become a driving force.

Growing up on a farm, I always loved animals, and so did my ol’ friend. She helped me attach toothpick splints to broken chicken legs and saved me from a sewing job when the baby Nigerian goat diapers were too big. I loved peeking into the owl boxes in the spring to see the baby balls of fluff, but it was my ol’ friend who kept them from getting wet by waterproofing their boxes. I loved listening to the talking frogs at sunset on my back porch and watching the Red-Wing Blackbirds dive into the pond’s cattails at dusk. Watching the Mallards set their wings and how they could dodge all the willow branches as they would land in our pond was always a treat. I grew up doing my homework on the back porch with the music of swallows singing in the bamboo. Animals gave me comfort.

I pursued that comfort with volunteer opportunities at the World Center for Birds of Prey and Zoo Boise. These public education programs opened my eyes to the many problems facing animals today. I wanted to help, but didn’t yet know how.

I decided to expand my understanding of animals by job shadowing local veterinarians. There, I learned how domestic animals were treated when sick. But I was still curious about who cared for the wild animals when they were sick or injured?

This curiosity led to much research and concluded with me aiming towards becoming a wildlife veterinarian. The requirements of a Doctorate in Wildlife Biology and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine made it clear that this was not going to be an easy task. I buckled down and put my mind to it. That hard work has allowed me to graduate as valedictorian, two years early, and with an associate’s degree in biology to give myself a head start on this long educational journey. This was my comfort, my passion, and I felt compelled to help the sick and injured wild animals who could not help themselves.

Animals like the endangered scarlet macaw, with less than 1,000 left in Central America, have gone extinct in parts of Mexico. Their livelihood is threatened by deforestation and illegal pet trade. I want to be the wildlife veterinarian who can help by checking their wild nests to manage parasite infections and provide care to neglected chicks. I would relocate chicks who are at risk of being stolen to conservation centers until they are old enough to be released. As a wildlife veterinarian, I would treat sick or injured adult macaws confiscated from the illegal pet trade, rehabilitate them, and train them to avoid humans before releasing them back into the wild. I would also conduct field monitoring by taking samples of blood, feathers, and swabs to detect diseases that threaten the population. Finally, I would monitor if the released birds were adapting and surviving.

This life journey comes from the heart. It is not one of prestige or fortune, and I know I will be facing an uphill battle most of the time. But when a passion runs deep, and the heart is full of love and compassion, I believe it is a journey worth taking. I want to make a difference…one macaw at a time.

So, thank you, ol’ friend, for being there in times of need and helping me to create an empowering symbol that I can take forward with me on my journey. I look forward to many more adventures together.

I wanted to showcase something I love, playing cards. Ever since I was little, card games have been a big part of my life. Whether at family gatherings, special events, or simply spending time with my grandparents, cards have always brought people together for me and allowed me to make memories that in will cherish forever. Because of that, I thought a casino themed tuxedo would be the perfect way to represent how meaningful card games are to me. The game my family plays the most is eucher. Because of the I chose to use a jack as a pocket square, since I'm definitely the best player in my family I included a crown on the back. I also included a roullete table as that was my first real expience of gamlbing during a family vaction over my 18th birthday. I also chose to inlcude the four aces because they can be the highest card in some games and the lowest and others.

I have been lucky enough to visit all across the United States, and my tuxedo is inspired by my travels across America to honor our 250th Anniversary. On the tuxedo, I included some of my favorite memories from my road trips with my mom, aunt, and grandpa. These road trips have shaped my future and allowed me to discover my passion for hotels and hospitality, which I am pursuing in college.

On one side of the tuxedo jacket, I chose my hometown of Los Angeles, represented by the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign. On the other side, I chose where I’m moving to for college, New York City. We included the state flowers from both; New York’s state flower is a rose, and California’s is the California poppy. For the pants, we chose some of my favorite landmarks from each coast: the Golden Gate Bridge and a New England Lighthouse, like those I saw in Maine.

On the back, we have a map of the United States that’s color-coded by when they were added to the union. There are also postcards of some of the landmarks and things I’ve come across on my trips, like a Hawaiian beach, the Liberty Bell, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Yellowstone thermal pools, Mesa Verde, and the numerous corn fields I passed along the way. Largest of all, we put the Statue of Liberty to represent the American ideals of hospitality. The postcards are mapped in an east to west pattern in alignment with where they are on the map.

I didn't just want another normal suit, I wanted something that felt like me. I love music. In fact, I want to study music technology in college. So, I infused the styles of the hip-hop apparel and formal attire. Which led me to come up with this letterman suit (also because I really like letterman jackets). The expressive and creative possibilities behind the letterman jackets tell their own stories. It has an iconic high school vibe.

I always felt like I should be normal, fit in, and not be weird, even when I needed to stand out. I never got a chance to feel special; I didn't have a quinceanera, a sweet sixteen, or any really big celebration, so I decided to make a dress that I could love and be proud of. I originally planned my dress around two dresses I really liked but they didn't quite feel like me. I based my dress on my favorite flower, orchids, and incorporated Japanese inspired elements. Both owning orchids and visiting Japan have been big dreams of mine, they are often the few things that feel true about me. I wanted to bring both of those inspirations together in a way that felt personal to me.
For this dress I made around one hundred orchids, each consisting of three separate pieces. On some flowers, I carefully cut thin strips of duct tape to create the natural lines and details of the petals, while on others I colored them in with marker. 
The dress took a lot of planning and redos, but in the end I created an elegant piece of artwork I am proud of. It gave me the chance to express myself, create something completely my own, and let myself stand out in a way I had always wanted to.

My dress was inspired by the Old Hollywood era of dresses, hats, and jewelry. I love costume design from this era, as well as Old Hollywood red-carpet looks. My dress is red as a nod to the red carpet and because some of my favorite dresses in cinema history are red. For the front of my dress, I used Duck brand chrome tape in a dramatic design that catches the light, resembling flashes of photography seen on the red carpet. I also dotted the bottom of each skirt with chrome tape to mimic a film strip wrapping around the dress. For the back, I used chrome tape to highlight cascading, shining stars. My accessories were chosen to recreate the Old Hollywood aesthetic, including ruby and diamond jewelry, a vintage birdcage hat, and a movie clapper–shaped purse. I enjoyed every step of the creative process and am proud of how my vision was transformed into a finished design that tells a story and pays homage to Old Hollywood.

I had always liked pink—until they told me I was supposed to. In elementary school, I decided I hated pink and that green was my new favorite color. Growing up with only brothers, I felt like the odd one out. I rejected princesses, pink, and the idea that I was meant to be the one rescued. I wanted to be different, a feminist, someone who didn’t need sparkles to feel strong. What I didn’t realize was that by pushing away anything “girly,” I was buying into the idea that femininity was weak. It wasn’t “cool” to be a girl. After years of self-discovery, I’ve embraced the part of me that really does love pink—and even wants to be a princess. My dress reflects that transformation. It’s inspired by the very princesses I once dismissed, complete with a crown, intricate jewelry, and a flowy skirt made of countless layers of ruffles. I loved designing it and letting myself geek out over fashion, because femininity is powerful, too. But the dress wouldn’t be complete without what truly defines me: my faith. Jesus is at the center of who I am and what I build my life on, so I made Him the foundation of my design. I incorporated Psalm 23 into the dress by cutting out all 122 words of the passage in Duck Tape using a crafting machine and hand-placing them across the front layers. I even included the verse reference on the ribbon of the bow. This dress is more than just pink and pretty—it represents my journey of reclaiming femininity and rooting my identity in faith. It’s a reflection of who I truly am, inside and out.

After joining the band in the sixth grade, I developed a passion for playing the french horn. This passion for playing grew as I entered high school and joined the marching band. For the past two years, I served as a section leader in the marching band, performed in fall and spring concerts, and was a part of the pit for our school's musical productions. This year, my love for music deepened even more when I joined the jazz band and started to play trumpet. My tuxedo is inspired by my love of music and the instruments that I play.  Within my design, you will find french horns, trumpets, mellophones, and even the baritone- an instrument that I am learning to play for my senior year. 

Swans are often regarded as symbols of romance, strength, and elegance and are seen as majestic creatures. My main inspiration for the dress was swans, and I wanted to showcase those characteristics throughout the dress.     
I created the shape of the dress inspired by princess gowns and wedding dresses, since both are elegant clothing that represent class and romance, while the fancy details gave it more of a fantasy look. The top of the bodice I made using duct tape feathers to represent swan feathers, and I added a shield to represent self-strength. For the bottom part of the bodice and belt, I went with a more armored look to not only show power but also because love and romance are something that takes a lot of courage and determination. The common saying, "Unless you want to heart broken, you should protect your heart," also inspired the shield.
My accessories are the scarf and the fan, because fans are the stereotypical regal accessory, and the scarf makes the outfit look more regal. 

My older brother and I have been crafting with Duck Tape for quite literally a decade. I remember being in Sunday school in the first grade, folding up pieces of paper and wrapping them in Duck Tape, calling it a sword, and rushing off to fight evildoers. As the years have passed, our skills and ideas have significantly developed. With a glance into our family's garage, you can find a veritable arsenal of Duck Tape weapons: swords, shields, daggers, axes, spears, and more.

I first had the idea for my Stuck at Prom submission three years ago when my older brother created his own. I wanted to make a suit of armor stylized as a tuxedo, and that is precisely what I did. Whereas my brother’s tux took inspiration from our father’s side of the family and our Chinese roots, my armor draws inspiration from our mother’s Polish ancestry. My mother, whose maiden name was Polak, was bullied as a child due to her ethnic heritage. My tuxedo takes those attacks and wraps them around myself as a suit of armor. The Polish Hassar, also known as the Winged Hassar, were cavalry with a distinctive marking: they had feathered wings pointing outward from their backs. In my design, I incorporated several elements from the Polish Hussar, including the weapons they typically utilized (a flagged lance/spear and a saber) and the aforementioned wings. I also included the official emblem of Poland, a white eagle with a golden crown emblazoned upon a red shield. Although the eagle’s crown was removed for a time after World War II due to Soviet control, the eagle regained its regality once the communist regime was overthrown some decades later in 1990.

The only part of the details taken from an external source were the shapes for the shield, eagle, and horse. They were sourced from heraldicart.org, which grants specific usage rights for all contents of the website under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike: “You may distribute this book and website as a whole, or portions of it, or incorporate its contents into other material, provided that you acknowledge the sources of the work and allow everyone to share the resulting material under the same terms.” Creative Commons allows for free usage, adaptation, and sharing (even commercially) of works under its domain, and it is recognized in the Ohio Revised Code. To incorporate the shapes and details, I first imported the SVG files into a 3D design software and modified them before printing them with my family’s 3D printer and covering them with Duck Tape. My brother’s tux was disqualified for unauthorized use of copyrighted material, so I am being exceedingly careful not to allow the same fate to befall me. The website, heraldicart.org, is a resource developed and maintained for usage by anyone, but specifically members of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), of which I have been a member for a decade as well. This organization is dedicated to medieval recreation from all parts of (medieval) world history. I consulted with an armor expert as part of designing my suit and selecting the elements to include!

All my accessories and armor pieces were crafted from various materials, including cardboard, corrugated plastic (essentially plastic cardboard), hot glue, plastic pipes, paper, and, of course, Duck Tape. I would also like to mention that my family was instrumental in the design process for the suit, continually making new recommendations for details and accessories that kept me crafting nearly right until the submission deadline. The first part of the suit I created was the vest, woven from individual rings of machine-cut Duck Tape that I spent countless hours meticulously cutting and taping closed. I also created the suit and pants (having a professional seamstress grandmother undoubtedly came in handy), along with armor pieces that I attached in various ways. My favorite of the armor pieces is the breastplate, which I specifically contoured to the curves of the jacket, forming it as a sort of extended lapel. I made my accessories last: a lance, a saber, a belt, a hobby horse (to represent the cavalry aspect of the Hassar), and one of my favorites, the cravat. To make the cravat, I first made a long strip of Duck Tape before ironing the pleats into the tie and, of course, tied it. I love how the folds of the cravat encapsulate the tie pin/Polish emblem. In addition, there is a subtle heart cross detail around the belt and saber sheath and the tux itself, which is composed of 5 hearts. It is in part a nod to the frequent cross imagery in suits of armor and part a reference to the fact that I am the second of five brothers, something that will always be close to my heart.

This tux has been in the works for a long, long time, and I am proud to finally display it to the world. Duck Tape and crafting are significant parts of my life and identity, and I am honored to have my submission as part of the 25th anniversary of the Stuck at Prom competition!

I am a graduating Pioneer High School senior, future Ferris State Bulldog, and proud creator of (probably) the world’s first duct tape tuxedo that transforms into a racing suit.

My design pays tribute to my idol, Japanese racing legend Keiichi Tsuchiya - known as the Drift King. Like his unique driving style, I wanted to take something fast and functional and make it stand out from the rest. The tux starts as a full racing suit, but with a flip of the collar, it transforms into an outfit worthy of prom night. Underneath, I wear a white dress shirt and checkered flag bow tie, both made from duck tape.I made the driving gloves from duck tape, decorated the helmet to imitate Keiichi's, and created a 3D boutonniere incorporating a small trophy.

Pursuing this project wasn’t just about trying to win a scholarship. To me, it was about mixing passion with purpose to help fund my future goals. I’m heading to Ferris State University this fall for a BS in Automotive Engineering, with dreams of working in performance motorsports, and possibly moving across the world to be in Japan, the heart of tuning culture.

That’s where the Duck Brand comes in. I’ve proudly and painstakingly incorporated your logos throughout the design because I’m hoping that by taking first place, you’ll be the sponsor that helps me shift into high gear. I also made sure to reach out to the Ferris State Marketing and Communications Department, who gave enthusiastic permission to use their logos in my creation.

So thank you for making a tape strong enough to stick my dreams together. I may be “Stuck at Prom”, but with your help I’ll be racing into the future.
And a fun fact - my brother was a Tux Runner Up in 2021, so entering is now a family tradition! 

For my Stuck at Prom design, I created a royal futuristic inspired tuxedo, complete with a crown, scepter, rose, and a royal cape. At first glance, it may appear as simply a bold fashion statement, but every detail is layered with personal meaning, symbolic intent, and heartfelt tribute.

The color scheme, primarily blue and gold serves as a unifying thread that ties together my heritage, my future, and my values. These colors represent two major inspirations behind this design: Ukraine, the homeland of my mothers side of the family, and Lakehead University, my next academic journey.

The blue and gold evoke the Ukrainian flag, a powerful emblem of resilience, freedom, and cultural pride. In recent years, Ukraine has become a global symbol of courage and resistance in the face of adversity. With this suit, I honor not only the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people but also my own connection to a legacy of strength and perseverance. The royal motif speaks to sovereignty and the right of all people to live with dignity and pride. Every golden trim and intricate pattern channels the beauty of Ukrainian embroidery and historical regalia, blending tradition with a futuristic twist.

With the future in mind, this design also celebrates my upcoming chapter at Lakehead University, whose school colors mirror those of my suit. Attending Lakehead signifies a turning point, a leap toward higher learning, innovation, and athletic pursuits. The structured design of the suit reflects the discipline and confidence I aim to carry into my academic career, while the cape’s dramatic flair represents creativity and self-expression. The gold geometric embellishments, and floral patterns throughout including those on the back of the jacket, echo the patterns of growth and progress like branches or flowers of knowledge extending outward capping off in an emphatic bloom of skill and knowledge once my education journey is complete. 

Hi! My name is Brittany. The inspiration behind this dress came from my childhood love for Disney princesses and the joy of dressing up. As I begin adulthood, I find myself reflecting on the wisdom my parents shared: "Don’t wish to grow up too soon." It's a gentle reminder that life is about cherishing both our past and the dreams of the future. In creating this dress, I sought to embody the magic of the princess I dreamed of being as a little girl, hoping to bring to life something she would have adored. I believe we can all hold onto that childlike wonder, and it's a beautiful journey we undertake together.

Now, let’s dive into my princess wildflower-making adventure! I took on the challenge of crafting a flowery gown in a dizzying array of colors: baby pink, baby blue, navy, white, and gold. Each bloom took a solid 15 minutes to create alone. Armed with squares of duck tape and a bit of origami finesse, I fashioned unique tape floral creations.

Next up was the dress structure. As the flowers piled on, I began to question if I was making a dress or preparing for a floral funeral! I constructed a skirt with enough flower volume to function as a parachute, then glued the blossoms into place, hopefully leaving no gaps.

Then came the upper body, which felt like a scene straight out of The Hunger Games—with duck tape! Draping my mannequin in tape and glue, I designed a pink corset that was part fashion statement, part adhesive nightmare. To top it off, I made DIY earrings with fringed gold tape and mini roses. For the bouquet, I simply tossed some roses onto a used duck tape roll—because why not? I had 49 of them!

Thank you for taking a look, and I hope you love my creation as much as I loved making it!

My outfit was inspired by the strength and elegance of an Incan princess, honoring my Peruvian heritage and the roots that have shaped me. I wanted to let that part of me shine because while this dress reflects my past, this scholarship could help light the way to my future. I used every tool I could find: hole punchers, scissors, zigzag cutters, and more to bring the details to life. Goo Off Adhesive Remover became my best friend, and I’m still finding tape stuck in random places around my house. Every piece of this dress was made with heart, creativity, and a whole lot of patience.

My duct tape prom suit was inspired by the vibrant culture and traditions of Africa. I drew from the iconic Kente cloth, known for its bold colors and geometric patterns, which represent African heritage, pride, and identity. Using duct tape, I recreated these intricate designs and integrated them across my entire suit: jacket, pants, and accessories.

To deepen the cultural significance, I incorporated Adinkra symbols from West Africa, each chosen for its powerful meaning. Some of the symbols on my suit represent initiative, fearlessness ("I fear nothing but God"), good fortune, and greatness. These values guide my life, and wearing them gave my design a personal and purposeful message. Every detail was crafted by hand, using only duct tape, to reflect the spirit of African art and storytelling. Through this design, I was able to connect with my heritage and express it in a modern, original way.

My suit is more than just a look; it's a celebration of culture, identity, and creativity.

The ocean has always pulled by interests. Its colorful, whimsical, and mysterious. The creatures that live there defy what is possible on land. Each creature and coral was designed by God and placed exactly where they need to be. The beauty of His creation draws me in and inspires most of my art projects, including this dress! Just as the beach leads into the ocean and then into the deeper ocean, I made the dress to reflect that journey in each layer. Each layer is beautifully detailed on its own, but you need all the layers to tell the full story of this ocean journey! 

My dress is inspired by the artist Romero Britto. I like his use of bright colors and fun patterns. I wanted my dress to have just as many colors and patterns as his art has. My goal was for my dress to be unique, runway worthy, and push the limits of prom fashion. Somewhere between grade 7 and 8 my friends mutually agreed that bright colors and fun patterns where out, except me I still like having color in my every day outfits as I think it adds life to the outfit and is away to express my happy vibe.

Faith. Family. Freedom. These 3 words define my inspiration in designing this suit. As a Mexican-American, I am proud of the heritage and culture both nations have instilled within me. For the style of my suit, I used a mixture of traje de charro de gala grecado and mariachi. The charro gala suit is one of the most elegant traditional Mexican attires. I intertwined the colors of the American and Mexican flags along the sides of the pant legs and edges of the bolero jacket and vest utilizing an ancient Greek meander. The fish, cross, and dove I embedded in the Greek meander represent my Christian faith. The intertwining of these colors and symbols exemplifies how my faith and both cultures have played a role in defining who I am. Much like the monarch butterfly, my identity is cultivated by both Mexico and this great nation, the USA. The monarch butterfly is highlighted on the belt, belt buckle, bowtie, sombrero, and suit jacket.

The beginning of this dress had many inspirations. The size and drama of 18th Century French Rococo, the femininity and frills of the porcelain dolls I collect, the ridiculousness of Barbie's princess outfits, the monochromatic haunting colors and shapes of Tim Burton's artwork, the vintage yet edgy aesthetic of steampunk. But there was one inspiration, one goal above all others. I wanted this dress to be big. I wanted it to achieve what I could not, what I never managed on stage or at my own prom. I wanted the inability for it to fit through door frames, I wanted the inconvenience that came with an insane amount of glamor. I wanted the silhouette of a barbie in a cake-dress and the impracticality of a cartoon. Nothing brings me more joy than a large skirt, the way fabric flares out just so, the cutting shape it makes, the attention it draws. Making a dress as big as this had been a dream for awhile, but with the weight and gravity obeying attributes of fabric I never had the chance. After a few tests with duct tape though, the stiffness and weight gave way for my dream to come true, to make the biggest dress possible. I think I came through with this goal, making both a large, cartoony dress and matching my art almost perfectly.

Inspired by the vibrant colors of nature, I created a rainforest prom dress. My base design was a traditional green tube dress, but my ultimate goal was to incorporate a variety of shades, vegetation, and animals. Every time you look at my dress you will discover something new. Look hard. Do you see 5 amazing creatures? Hint: I’m the 5th! I love nature, I love this dress and now I really love Duck Tape! Thank you!

I decided to base the suit on my love of space. I grew up around Huntsville Alabama where the U.S Space & Rocket Center was located. And after constantly visiting the place I picked up an interest in the stars. The theme needed the perfect design to capture the grandiose beauty of “Space,” so I thought of a ringmaster-style tuxedo.

The Helix nebula that spans the back of the suit took quite a bit of time and was one of the larger "ideas" of the suit. Getting the transitions was very difficult but I think I pulled it off all right on my 3rd try.

The constellations were cut using a template and then applied randomly all over, while the gold trimming took some patience to get on just right.

The accessories include a hat, cane, pocket watch, shoes, rings, bow tie, and lots of love.

As you all can probably tell from the bags under my eyes this project stressed me out a little bit, but I'm thankful I got an excuse to branch off from a monotonous school year and make a duct tape suit. I had loads of fun trying to figure everything out and hope all the other competitors did too.

Thank you for reading all this garble and I hope you have a great day.

I designed my prom dress with inspiration from Jalisco, Mexico charro style and Folklorico dance dresses.

Inspiration for this outfit, a Charro, mainly comes from my Mexican heritage. Being from a Hispanic background and having relations with families of similar backgrounds, I found that a simple yet impactful nod to this was its form taken from these aspects which a Charro is typically seen in historical and modern Mexican tradition used by cowboys or horsemen. The technique utilized when creating this work was covering the initial materials used such as old clothes I no longer wore with layers of bright orange Duct Tape in random patterns. Keeping in mind where certain aspects of the clothes needed to bend which could be done but just not heavily layering these areas. Given the inspiration mainly aligning with Mexican heritage, floral motifs were added across the outfit to add character and fill in spots that seemingly were empty using a black paint marker. These floral designs would cover the cuffs, collar, hat, and sides of the pants where these accents would be above a thin lining of black masking tape. The torso mainly consisted of the same technique used for the pants however I left the under-shirt untouched whereas the vest and jacket were fully covered in tape. Both vest and jacket mainly were covered in tape and designs from a black paint marker with the jacket only having the addition of black lace lining the collar and down towards the bottom. As well as on the torso, a bow and flower made of cheetah print tape were added whereas on the flower the Duct Tape Duck logo was added which was taken from the packaging of the Duct Tape rolls. The main feature of this work is the hat, the Charro Sombrero, which was an actual Sombrero that was covered in repeated orange Duct Tape that retained all the same detailing of floral motifs and black lace where under the designs were accommodated by strings to be tied when using the hat made from cheetah print Duct Tape which was braided.

Butterflies have long been regarded as harbingers of good luck and positive omens in cultures around the world. Their ethereal beauty and graceful flight inspire feelings of joy and happiness, while their transformative journey from caterpillar to butterfly symbolizes renewal and the possibility of positive change. In honor of my grandmother, who passed earlier this year, this dress is an ode to her, crafted in colors that represent her grace, beauty, and spirit.

In many traditions, encountering a butterfly is believed to bring good fortune and blessings. It's seen as a sign from the universe that better things are on the horizon, that obstacles will be overcome, and that new opportunities will arise. Some cultures even view butterflies as messengers from the spirit world, carrying messages of love and guidance from departed loved ones.

Through the creation of this dress, adorned with the symbol of the butterfly, I aim to manifest this belief in luck and good omens. It becomes not just a piece of clothing, but a symbol of hope, resilience, and the promise of brighter days ahead.

Throughout high school, making clothes has been a really big hobby for me, with knitting, sewing, and thrifting being the aspects I enjoy the most. I wanted this to be an homage to crafting and clothesmaking that celebrates all three interests with a suit that was made entirely using duck tape, kitchen scissors, and some sewing and knitting needles. The blazer, trousers, and briefcase are all oversized and made of patchwork, meant to seem thrifty and secondhand. They all have big black stitches on them, meant to represent my interest in sewing. Underneath all of this, I am wearing a light blue hand knitted vest, made by ripping and folding several rolls of duck tape into yarn and knitting them.

I have been fascinated by Scotland and especially Scottish culture ever since I first saw Braveheart as a middle-schooler. For my 16th birthday, my parents bought me a tiny plot of land and I became a Scottish “Laird”. Since then I have owned (and worn) 4 kilts, both in various tartans and a plain utility. It seemed only fitting that I make one of my own out of Duck® Tape. This one is by far the most formal.

An era of flourishing gold, elegance, and pastel floral prints. This dress is inspired by 18th-century French art that I saw at the Getty Museum. I was captivated by the amount of gold and extravagant paintings they had on display. It was a time period of luxurious gowns full of lace, floral prints, ribbons, and ruffles. So I wanted to incorporate some of these elements into my dress. Fitting to the inspiration, I used the colors of pastel pink, white, and gold duct tape for the design of my dress. I decided to take inspiration from the Rococo era through my own personal interest in fashion. I am fascinated by clothes and how it has evolved through the course of history. Although we are in the 21st century, it doesn’t stop us from dressing up from any time period. I wanted to showcase a dress that reflects a glamorous era of fashion.

All of my family are from El Salvador and I wanted to make something to tribute that. In ancient times, both Mayans and Aztecs settled near El Salvador. I was inspired by the Mayan Gods, Kinich Ahau, the God of the Sun, and Kukulkan, the God of weather and life. I was also inspired by ancient Mayan clothing and motifs. I wanted to fuse the culture of the Mayans and the elegance and formality of promwear, without coming off as a costume. During quarantine, I started learning how to sew by making stuffed animals so I made one of the Kukulkan.

This design was inspired by music. Music has the power to evoke emotions, transport us to different times & places, and unite us with others. Because music is not just black and white, the mirror duct tape is meant to represent the way music constantly moves and changes. There are several instruments included in this design: piano, violin, tambourine, and electric guitar. The notes on the skirt are a measure from an actual song.

My tuxedo was inspired by steampunk fashion! I have always been interested in science fiction, so I decided to incorporate it in my look. The tuxedo, pants, and accessories were all made from scratch using paper, Duck tape, and some thin sheets of plastic. One of my favorite parts of creating this outfit was adding whimsical elements like the wings and gears on the clothing!

Fashion and art have always played a major role in my life. Since I was young, I've always had a strong passion for both, and the Duct tape prom dress competition was a great opportunity to show off my love for art and fashion.

When I was eight, my third-grade class got the opportunity to create a business and sell things for one week during lunchtime. Most of my classmates brought items from home to sell like buttons, pencils, and bookmarks, but I brought my own clothing sketches. I spent hours sketching out clothes, my favorite clothing item to draw was dresses. I added lots of color, glitter, and stickers. I sold my designs to classmates for a dollar per sketch and everyone loved them. This was an important moment for me because I realized that I loved fashion and I want to spend the rest of my life surrounded by it.

The inspiration for my dress was Vincent Van Goghs painting "The Starry Night." I chose this painting for inspiration because it has always been a very calming painting to me with its post-impressionism style and use of a blue and yellow color scheme. For my whole life, I have always struggled with a slight form of anxiety and when it ever became too much to handle, I would paint. Painting has become a great outlet to calm my anxiety, and I wanted to express that through this dress. When creating this dress, I wanted to have lots of texture. To achieve this, I painted various colors over strips of Duct tape, and then I cut them up and layered them on the dress until I got the finished product. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share my creation with you, and hopefully, I inspired some of you to use art as an outlet for some of your personal struggles or emotions.

My dress is a true reflection of my passion for art and for this outfit, I am drawing inspiration from two of my favorite art forms: fashion and architecture. To the renowned designer Issey Miyake, who incorporated beautiful pleats into the fabric, reminiscent of his famous Pleats Please Line from 1993. I wanted to demonstrate that pleats are possible with Duck Tape, although this was challenging and time-consuming, I am very pleased with the end result. The pleating technique adds a unique touch and brings Miyake's artistic vision to life.

I also drew inspiration from the captivating works of Antoni Gaudi, a talented Spanish architect. The mosaic pattern on my dress is directly influenced by Gaudi's artistic style, particularly seen in his masterpiece, Casa Batlló. The sleeve incorporates the intricate roof design found in his masterpiece. Additionally, the necklace emulates the captivating top edge of the roof in Casa Batlló.

I also wanted to capture the essence of Gaudi's architectural brilliance through the intricate mosaic design, adding depth and visual interest to my dress. Furthermore, I incorporated elements from Gaudi's iconic creation, the La Sagrada Familia church. The design in the back of my top is inspired by the church's stunning stained glass windows. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the stained glass are reflected in my design, creating a captivating and ethereal look, which was all accomplished by using different colors of Duck Tape.

By merging the artistry of Issey Miyake's pleating technique with the architectural splendor of Antoni Gaudi, my dress becomes a testament to my adoration for art while simultaneously showcasing the boundless possibilities that exist. Furthermore, I aspire to inspire other young artists to dream big, explore uncharted territories, fearlessly take calculated risks, and venture beyond their comfort zones.

I was inspired by modern and historic artwork of Samurai and Dragons respectively. I was also inspired by my father's sword collection that I often see when I walk past his office.

I hoped to combine my studies of herbalism, woodblock printing, and costume design to make an ethereal and modern piece. Herbalism informed my choice of flowers. The chrysanthemum that lies on my chest expels windheat nodding to its placement between my lungs and the association red has with fire and passion. In combination with the Chinese rose in the center panel, liver heat is expelled and blood flow is regulated. My passions grow instead of burn because I regulate my time and combine my approach to each study. Woodblock printing encouraged my understanding of the flower’s shadows and the order in which to layer colors. The time devoted to this art conditioned me for the time spent simply laying the tape. Following the ethereal concept, I found inspiration in Tang and Qing Dynasty clothing, as they seem to float without any wind and layer pieces effortlessly. The beauty of those times reached far past clothing, so I also showcased other art forms to honor the richness of the culture. As I am a mix of my Asian roots and my American reality, this dress credits everything that makes me, as if my own costume.

My inspiration was a rock-star-like outfit that incorporates retro 3-D glasses design. I wanted to create something with an interesting shape and look that mirrors high fashion. I like to be arbitrary.

I was going through a little bit of rough patch so I wanted to design something that was me. I wanted something colorful and vibrant; i've always loved 60's/70's clothing, so I stayed with that theme throughout the entire out. Starting with the polka dots, the flare gloves, the headband, everything. During the creation of this outfit it really helped me interpret who I was as a person. So, I guess I could say the inspiration for this outfit was me.

My inspiration came from the Yin and Yang theory. There's so much to uncover about this idea, yet it's symbol is portrayed in such a simple way. In brief, it illustrates the concept of harmony and balance between opposing forces. My dress exemplifies the well- known symbol of Yin and Yang. The lesson I have gained from this philosophy is how to build a stabilized and balanced routine in my life. I have an auditory processing disability which makes it harder to complete tasks promptly. Time management is crucial to my success. While maintaining a busy schedule, I have incorporated habits to level out the stress. Things like yoga, meditation, eating less processed foods, prayer, and daily exercise can help me accomplish the goals I have set for myself. Ever since I was young, I have loved the idea of showing who we are on the inside with what we wear on the outside. Clothing has the ability to transform how we feel and also influence how we make others feel. I have always aspired to pursue a career in fashion and hope this can be the start of something big.

I grew up as a tomboy and was sometimes made fun of for not trying enough to be girly. Being a tomboy was a result of me being close to my older brother. I have never really been in touch with my feminine side and so I never really liked bright colors or dollhouses and dolls. But in this case, I really wanted to push myself and try something new. I wanted to show that there is nothing wrong with having a masculine side through my piece. I wanted to show the beauty of masculinity and femininity when they are put together. This is why I decided to use the color pink which is seen as a more feminine color for my suit. As much as I wanted to try something new I still wanted to keep in touch with my true self. I couldn't leave my spontaneous tomboy side out of my piece, so I decided to make a suit instead of a dress. I created this piece in hopes that I could enjoy both the masculine and feminine sides of me. Although it took a dozen duct tapes and 30 hours. I am more than proud of the piece of art I was able to create. I am truly happy for the opportunity to present this piece to the world as well as the message I wish to share through it.

When I learned about the Stuck At Prom scholarship, I thought it was a fantastic way to dive into my creativity as well as represent my heritage. Being half Japanese and half Mexican, I have been given one of the greatest gifts of learning and experiencing different cultures. I was lucky enough to experience traditions with the Mexican side of my family, but I have not been able to do the same with my Japanese relatives. Since my grandparents in Japan haven’t been doing well, I thought it would be a good idea to make a dress inspired by Japanese culture. Kimonos, long straight seamed garments, are a symbol of Japanese culture. Many Kimonos include common symbols or motifs that each represent an important meaning, some of which I included in my own piece. A Kimono is clearly not one’s typical prom dress, but with the sense of identity represented through this garment, why go teenage typical when you can go Japanese traditional?

My inspiration for my duct tape dress was my younger self. When I was a kid, I was absolutely obsessed with duct tape! I have always viewed duct tape as more than something that held things to together, but as a unique artistic medium. Duct tape was a huge part of my childhood, in fact, I created something new almost everyday. Since a young age, I’ve dreamed of showing up to prom in a duct tape dress. Although my obvious health battles have gotten in the way of many events in my teenage life, I wasn’t going to let that get in the way of making my younger self proud. Over the years, I have collected HUNDREDS of duct tape rolls of all different patterns, including many retired ones. I felt like it would be very special to use these patterns people no longer see on the shelves into a beautiful creation I got to wear. Being able to display my number one hobby of my childhood, featuring just a fragment of my collection as well as my skill set, served as a great tribute. It truly is a dream come true!

In my life, I have struggled with a lot of anxiety. I wanted this dress to showcase the effect that anxiety can have on people, as well as my personal growth. Growing up and getting older can be nerve-wracking for everyone, and doing so in a pandemic is even more stressful. As I graduate high school and get ready to move to a bigger city to start university I am riddled with fears. What if I don’t like it? What if I chose the wrong program or the wrong university? What if I fail? These thoughts became the inspiration for my art.

The dress has been created in black and white to represent the black and white thinking style that is often associated with anxious thoughts. The gold rim represents the "silver lining" of life when you can realize not everything needs to be stressed over and that some moments are simply there to enjoy. The swirling patterns throughout my dress represent the way that your thoughts can spiral due to anxiety, often becoming larger and darker if you don't stop them while the necklace points to the feeling of being choked because of fear. The pearl decals on my dress symbolize wisdom learned through experience, balance, and a new beginning. All of which will eventually come in the future. Finally, the flowers on my dress show personal growth through hard times, and how you are forever blooming and changing throughout your life.

The inspiration for this dress comes directly from an important coping mechanism of mine. Ever since I was young, I’ve struggled with social anxiety which makes it hard for me to connect with others, which seems simple and easy to everyone else. My multiple panic attacks throughout the years have caused me to have a conflict with my own conscience. To escape these restrictive problems, I spend days outside, strolling in the local gardens and reserves, sometimes even around my neighborhood, whenever I have the chance. This kind of relationship has allowed me to immerse myself in a natural environment and often provides me with a new, tranquil view of my busy life. In turn, throughout high school, I’ve accomplished some of my best art pieces by observing serene environments, places that take me away from all of my copious worries and tenacious tensions. These places, as well as nature in general, has helped me combat so many of my life’s problems. I wanted to illustrate this with one of my favorite things in nature to observe: flowers. I know very well that everyone “loves flowers” but I find meaning within their beauty. The underlying meaning behind each specimen, with different colors, petal shapes, sizes, and history, they’re all so different and elegant in their own ways. As I scrutinize them, I enjoy learning about them, and what they resemble. I think that this has reminded me that I can stand out by just being myself and that I can be elegant by showing my colors as a person. The dress also represents the flowers of spring. Spring is an important season, it reminds us of new beginnings, our future, and who we as people want to bloom into. Going into college this year, the making of this dress has reminded me that I get a fresh new start in a bright new atmosphere.

I am a seamstress and an engineer. When those two skills combine, they lead to limitless creation. This tuxedo not only provided an atypical challenge, but also served as a unique, creative outlet for my most imaginative design. I wanted to break away from the typical dress and create something distinctive, inspiring, and empowering. The result, this tuxedo. The design came to me randomly in math class. The original sketch existing in the margins of my notes. Unlike my previous options, this design was eccentric, colorful, and ideal. I immediately began work, buying out the entire mint, transparent iridescent blue, gold, and shimmer mirror tape stock at Walmart and Michael’s. I was able to utilize my sewing skills to construct an advanced bodice and my first jacket. My engineering characteristics allowed me to easily find solutions to the inability to sew through tape, resulting in stapling seams. The process challenged my abilities and taught me the tricks to manipulating duct tape. The result is much greater than I ever imagined it would be, and I am proud to have taken on the Duck Tape Stuck at Prom scholarship challenge.

I wanted to go for something that would look nice but also give off a good message.

The United States Department of Agriculture estimates by the year 2050, there will be 10 billion people on planet Earth. This means it is so important in the present to protect and conserve our environment. Both land and food will be crucial in sustaining our population. My outfit was a manifestation of hope that humanity can become closer with the environment and our food sources to insure that we sustain such a large predicted population.

Greetings! For anyone taking time to look into my entry I wanted to say Thank You and I hope you enjoy it! Growing up with a humble upbringing meant we had to shop at thrift stores every once in a while which I personally wasn’t mad about. In fact I actually loved going to the thrift stores. I can remember times while I was growing up that my mom and dad would be playing awesome songs like “Heart Of Glass” by Blondie or “Dancing Queen” by ABBA and also “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth Wind & Fire. So it’s no surprise that while coming up with a concept for my tuxedo I wanted to pay homage to one of mine and my parents favorite decades, the 70s! I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of the nightlife of the time. The flashing lights, the bright colors, and of course the awesome music have always fascinated me. This garment comes with 44 alternating fringe pieces, leading down to 3 1/2 feet wide flared bottoms, and a groovy tuxedo fit for Tony Manero himself . Another piece of inspiration came from the idea “flower power”. Originally a term thought of by Alan Ginsberg in 1965 it carried its way into the 70s with its iconic groovy and floral designs. These elements are incorporated to the flared bottoms as well as the backpack and the boots. The back of the tux is inspired by a button-down that I thrifted with my mom and dad.