Use WD-40 if it doesn’t wobble but should, and Duct Tape if it does. WD-40 and duct tape are so ubiquitous and iconic that it shouldn’t be a surprise that they have so many more functions than one may imagine.
So, duct tape can be used to build a garment. In reality, Duck Brand, an American duct tape, packaging materials, and home goods firm, hosts a scholarship tournament called Stuck At Prom.
Dress or tuxedo made using Duck Brand duct tape may be worn to prom to earn a $10,000 scholarship. Over 110 candidates have previously joined, but one has lately made the news.
#1 Many of us have never considered making a prom dress out of duct tape.
Initially, she imagined making a garment for her favorite artist, Leonardo da Vinci. But then came the epidemic, and the prom and graduation were canceled. So, plan B it was. She made a COVID-19 dress. She had a feeling no one else would, and it would be a unique one. So she started designing.
“I normally sit on the floor in sports shorts, an old t-shirt, and a messy ponytail, crouched over a cutting board, attempting to cut small bits of tape with a very tiny knife,” Peyton said.
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#3 Peyton Manker, a senior from Illinois, entered the Duck Brand challenge to make a duct tape prom dress (or tuxedo).
So the COVID-themed duct tape prom dress has embellishments that nod to the lockdown. For example, a request to flatten the curve and a picture commemorating essential and frontline employees are included.
Besides the blue and gold gown, Peyton made a duct tape mask, a coronavirus pocketbook, and other viral-themed accessories, including a hair clip and a bracelet.
The outfit took her roughly 400 hours and 41 rolls of duct tape to construct. That’s 16.6 days of planning and making and 820 yards (750 meters) of duct tape. The clothing (duct tape) is reported to price between $150 and $245, depending on where you get it.
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Manker further noted that the virtual commencement was an homage to her friends and those students who were unable to attend traditional graduation. The picture of critical employees honors frontline workers. The concept of people fleeing the virus represents the globe attempting to run it.
“Making the construction of my garment was the most difficult part,” Peyton revealed. Having never stitched or created a garment before, I had no clue what I was doing! It took a lot of trial and error to get the dress to fit, but it worked!”
The troubles didn’t end there. Despite its stunning appearance, the outfit necessitates some sacrifice. It is exceedingly hot and hefty and stiff owing to the weight and varied fabric of the tape. Peyton was continuously sweating, and it was hurting her ankles.
#6 The tournament offers a $10,000 scholarship and other prizes for runners-up.
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#9 Peyton’s COVID-themed outfit took over 400 hours and 41 rolls of duct tape to complete.
Peyton wanted the garment to portray the epidemic as a positive: not as a blemish on history but as a sign that humanity overcame it.
The outfit quickly went popular on the internet. Suzy, Peyton’s mother, posted images of the garment on Facebook, which went viral. With almost 148,000 responses, 50,000 comments, and 250,000 shares,
“I was astonished when my garment went viral. Surreal, I didn’t know how to react,” Peyton said. “I just wanted my hometown to see my outfit. Then I started getting messages from all over the globe! What a crazy sensation!
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#12 Images of masks, the virus, essential employees, and zoom graduations are among the dress’s embellishments.
Finally, we asked Peyton whether she plans to make more gowns or if her viral garment means she can create a business. She said:
“I hadn’t planned on producing any more dresses, but who knows! I’m not sure whether designing clothing or crafting is in my future, but I’ve always enjoyed art!
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#15 Photo uploaded by her mother got over 148k replies and 250k shares.
Between June 29th and July 10th, the community may vote on the duct tape gowns and tuxedos, with the winners revealed on July 21st. You can also sponsor Peyton’s prom outfit on her over 16,000-fan Facebook page.
Update: Peyton has been chosen as a finalist in the competition, so major congrats to Peyton! Vote through June 10th on the Stuck At Prom website. So, what are you waiting for?
You can see more of the dress-making process on Peyton’s Instagram.
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