Made from Duct Tape: The New Kind of Prom Outfit

Chelsey Sue and Alexander Rohwedder made an impression during their prom, one that will stick—really stick—in the minds of classmates for years to come.

The two arrived at their prom dressed in duct tape. Entirely in duct tape. From the stars in Sue’s hair to the shoelaces on Rohwedder’s feet, no detail lacked the adhesive tape.

“We got a lot of ‘What are you wearing?’” Rohwedder said about classmates' reactions at during the formal dance.

It wasn't just a whim. Their prom wear stemmed from their entry in the 11th annual Duck Brand Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest. The intricate details in their garments have landed them a spot among the top 10 finalists.

Stuck at Prom is an online contest that offers scholarship money to high school students. First-place winners receive $5,000 each and earn $5,000 for their school.

Creating the outfits has been a years-long process that stems back to 2009 for Sue and Rohwedder. The Newark teens, who are homeschooled through Fremont Christian School's Private School Satellite Program, said they put an estimated 400 hours of labor into making the get-ups.

Sue first learned bout the contest through Duck Brand in two years ago, when her mom was researching about scholarship opportunities.

“She said, ‘Who in their right minds would do this?’ I said, ‘I would!’” Sue recalled.

From there, initial drawings of the dress were drafted, and after much consideration, Rohwedder joined the efforts in the winter of 2010.

They used 40 rolls of aqua, black, chrome, purple and white duct tape at about $4.50 per roll for the galaxy-themed dress, tuxedo and accessories, which include their shoes, corsage and boutonniere, and Sue’s fan, purse, hair accessories, nails and eyelashes.

The top 10 couples were selected by judges who considered each entry based on workmanship, originality, use of color, accessories and use of duct tape.

It took about 50 hours to actually construct the two outfits. Approximately 1,000 stars were cut out individually by hand as part of the project.

Sue said she never made much out of duct tape prior to this contest.

“It was quite an experience,” said Sue, who will be attending Biola University in the fall. Rohwedder is completing high school this coming year.

The outfit lasted Sue about four hours, before she decided to change to prevent any damage. Rohwedder changed a little earlier.

“It could get real hot, but not too bad,” Rohwedder said.

Winners will be announced July 13 and voting runs through July 11. A valid email is needed to vote. To vote for Sue and Rohwedder, click here.

Sue has continued to make things out of duct tape, including a hat that can be found on her blog. She also plans to start selling duct tape wallets, according to her blog.

As for Rohwedder, he has no plans on making anything else out of duct tape but said the entire experience was worthwhile.

“It was (worth it), even if we don’t win,” he said.