LOS ANGELES – A California high school student won the $10,000 Stuck at Prom Scholarship by creating a stunning dress made out of duct tape in July.
This was the 23rd year of the contest and 200 students from the U.S. and Canada applied, according to a news release from the Duck Duct Tape brand. Karla Torres Tejeda from Los Angeles, California won the prize for Best Dress after designing her piece based off 18th century art.
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“From going viral on social media to fielding interviews with the media, the top 10 finalists gave it their all,” said Ashley Luke, the senior product manager at Shurtape Technologies. “With so many talented teens entering this year’s contest, the competition was high, but Karla and Ian really exemplified how an ordinary material, like Duck Tape, can be transformed into artful attire.”
It took a lot of sweat, determination, and about 120 hours to make the dress. Tejeda used 14 rolls of pink, white and gold Duck Tape and designed a fan and clutch.
The gown has ruffle sleeves, small flowers, and includes a white necklace.
“This dress is inspired by 18th century French art that I saw at the Getty Museum,” Tejeda said. “I was captivated by the amount of gold and extravagant paintings they had on display. I am fascinated by clothes and how they have 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.”