Alabama student among top 10 Duck Tape prom dress contest finalists

An Alabama high school student is turning rolls of tape into potential college tuition. Kaitlyn Bowden of Odenville has been named one of the top 10 finalists in the 26th Annual Duck brand Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest.

The national competition challenges high schoolers to design and handcraft their dream prom attire using Duck Tape for a chance to win a $10,000 cash scholarship.

Duck Tape prom dress inspired by Old Hollywood fashion

Out of more than 150 entries nationwide, Bowden’s striking scarlet gown secured her a spot among the elite finalists. Inspired by the red-carpet fashion of Old Hollywood, the vintage-inspired dress required 17 rolls of Duck Tape and 140 hours of meticulous work to create.

The details of the dramatic design include:

• Chrome accents: Strategically placed chrome tape catches the light, mimicking the flash photography of paparazzi.
• Film strip hem: A dotted chrome pattern wraps around the bottom of the skirt to resemble classic movie film.
• Handcrafted accessories: Bowden crafted a vintage birdcage hat, ruby and diamond jewelry, and a purse shaped like a movie clapperboard entirely out of tape.

“My dress is red as a nod to the red carpet and because some of my favorite dresses in cinema history are red.”

“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.”

Kaitlyn Bowden

How to vote in the 2026 Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

Now that the judges have selected the top 10, the final decision is up to public voting. The grand prize winners — one dress and one tux designer — will each walk away with a $10,000 college scholarship. Runners-up will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Voting is officially open and runs through Monday, July 13. The community can view the finalist gallery and cast their daily votes online at StuckAtProm.com. Winners are scheduled to be announced around July 20.

Tap here to vote for Kaitlyn’s stunning Duck Tape gown!