• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Living

Teen's DIY coronavirus-themed prom dress made out of duct tape scores likes around the globe

0:43
Adorable boy holds a prom for babysitter
Courtesy Peyton Manker
ByGMA Team
June 23, 2020, 12:00 AM

An Illinois high school student made a coronavirus-themed prom dress out of tape -- and the internet is loving it.

Editor’s Picks

Teacher raises $30K for graduates through ‘Adopt A Senior’ initiative

  • Jun 08, 2020

High school seniors graduate 2,000 feet above on ski lift

  • Jun 15, 2020

Artist turns parking lot into giant mural honoring health care workers

  • Jun 19, 2020

Peyton Manker, 18, said she heard about Duct Tape's 2020 Stuck at Prom Contest back in January and began putting together the dress base. By March, both her senior prom and graduation ceremony had been canceled due to COVID-19, so it felt right to theme her ensemble around the virus.

Related Articles

MORE: These school bus drivers paid a touching tribute to their graduating seniors

"I wanted to showcase what's going on because so many people around the world have been affected by this pandemic in some way," Manker said.

Peyton Manker of Sparta, Ill., says she used 41 rolls of duct tape and spent nearly 400 hours putting her prom dress together.
Courtesy Peyton Manker

The gown is mostly blue but covered with coronavirus-related scenes, including a colorful Zoom call with students in caps and gowns and a group of front-line workers wearing masks. A confused thought bubble hovering above a man was used to represent those struggling with mental illness and social isolation.

Related Articles

MORE: Front-line doctors face a mental health crisis amid coronavirus. Can medicine overcome the culture of stoicism?

"I had that front and center because so many people have been feeling isolated and worried or scared about the situation we're in," Manker said.

Peyton Manker of Sparta, Ill., says she used 41 rolls of duct tape and spent nearly 400 hours putting her prom dress together.
Courtesy Peyton Manker

The recent graduate from Sparta High School in Illinois also added to her design a "FLATTEN THE CURVE" face mask and circular purse with red spikes to illustrate the shape of the virus. She included a hair piece with the words "Separately Together" and an anklet that read "This Too Shall Pass."

Peyton Manker of Sparta, Ill., says she used 41 rolls of duct tape and spent nearly 400 hours putting her prom dress together.
Courtesy Peyton Manker
Peyton Manker of Sparta, Ill., says she used 41 rolls of duct tape and spent nearly 400 hours putting her prom dress together.
Courtesy Peyton Manker

"It was to let people know that even though we are apart, we can still get through this together. The pandemic will pass eventually," Manker said.

Peyton Manker of Sparta, Ill., says she used 41 rolls of duct tape and spent nearly 400 hours putting her coronavirus pandemic themed prom dress together.
Courtesy Peyton Manker

Maker topped the outfit off with a toilet paper roll bouquet- - a nod to the bathroom essential's shortage in mid-March.

Peyton Manker of Sparta, Ill., says she used 41 rolls of duct tape and spent nearly 400 hours putting her coronavirus pandemic themed prom dress together.
Courtesy Peyton Manker

The get-up took 41 rolls of tape and nearly 400 hours to complete. Duck Brand will not announce a contest winner until July 21, but Manker's creation has already found resounding praise on social media.

Related Articles

MORE: High school grad with cerebral palsy surprises fellow students by walking stage at graduation

"I knew she was artistic, but I am amazed to see the results of her dress," Manker's mom Suzy wrote in a now viral Facebook post shared more than 250,000 times.

Peyton Manker of Sparta, Ill., says she used 41 rolls of duct tape and spent nearly 400 hours putting her prom dress together.
Courtesy Peyton Manker

"There are no words to describe this adequately, what a work of art," one user said.

"The details, the creativity, & the message conveyed is absolutely incredible," commented another.

Manker revealed the words of support from family, friends and strangers made all her hard work seem worth it.

Related Articles

MORE: Students split on holding in-person graduations despite COVID-19 fears

"I couldn't believe how many started sharing my dress and telling me how amazing they thought it was," Manker said. "I'm grateful to have so much support from people around the world."

Duck Brands will announce their finalists for the $10,000 scholarship award in the coming days and will open community voting on June 29.

Editor’s Picks

Teacher raises $30K for graduates through ‘Adopt A Senior’ initiative

  • Jun 08, 2020

High school seniors graduate 2,000 feet above on ski lift

  • Jun 15, 2020

Artist turns parking lot into giant mural honoring health care workers

  • Jun 19, 2020

Up Next in Living—

June's full strawberry moon: See photos and what it means for your zodiac

June 11, 2025

High school athlete somersaults to track and field championship win

June 10, 2025

Michaels buys Joann brand, plans to expand crafting supply to meet demand

June 6, 2025

Approximately 1.7 million air conditioners voluntarily recalled for potential mold exposure

June 6, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News