Oklahoma teens craft Duck Tape prom gowns for $15K contest

From origami wildflowers to ocean waves in layered hues, two Oklahoma teens are among the top 10 finalists in the 2025 Duck Tape Stuck at Prom contest.

Kathryn Lermy and Brittany Blackwell are hoping their handcrafted gowns, made entirely from Duck Tape, earn them a $15,000 college scholarship.

The nationwide contest, now in its 25th year, challenges students to design and construct prom outfits out of Duck Tape. With nearly 150 entries from across the U.S. and Canada, the top 10 were selected based on craftsmanship, color, creativity and originality. Public voting is open through July 9.

Kathryn Lermy’s Ocean-Inspired Design

Representing Broken Arrow, Kathryn Lermy created a flowing, ocean-themed gown using 26 rolls of Duck Tape and 80 hours of work.

“The ocean has always pulled my interests,” Lermy wrote in her entry. “It’s 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.”

Her dress tells a visual story, with each layer representing a deeper part of the sea — from the beach, to the ocean surface, and into the depths.

“Each layer is beautifully detailed on its own, but you need all the layers to tell the full story of this ocean journey,” she said.

Brittany Blackwell’s Princess Wildflower Adventure

From Oklahoma City, Brittany Blackwell designed a floral ball gown inspired by the Disney princesses she adored growing up. Her gown took 468 hours and 49 rolls of Duck Tape to complete.

“As I begin adulthood, I find myself reflecting on the wisdom my parents shared: ‘Don’t wish to grow up too soon,’” she wrote. “In creating this dress, I sought to embody the magic of the princess I dreamed of being as a little girl.”

Her design process was part nostalgia, part Duck Tape endurance test. She created hundreds of origami-style blossoms in baby pink, baby blue, navy, white and gold, each taking 15 minutes to fold and shape. Her voluminous skirt, she joked, “could function as a parachute.”

The top portion included a pink corset crafted straight onto a mannequin using tape and glue. She topped it off with homemade gold-tape earrings, mini rose details, and a bouquet made from spare Duck Tape rolls.

“I hope you love my creation as much as I loved making it,” Blackwell said.

Contest Details and How to Vote

The Stuck at Prom contest awards a $15,000 scholarship each to the top dress and tuxedo entries. Eight runners-up receive $1,000 and a Duck Brand prize pack. Three additional awards — including Judge’s Choice categories for design and storytelling — will also be handed out.

Voting is open through July 9 at StuckAtProm.com. Winners are expected to be announced around July 16.