May 17, 2007
Duluth News Tribune

Dapper duct tape

Emily “Ringo” Kienitz and Jared “Gadget” Granley recently attended the Denfeld prom in unique style. Instead of buying or renting formalwear, the couple made their own — out of duct tape.

“We wanted to do something really unique and different,” said Kienitz, a junior. She said the outfits were a hit, and many fellow prom-goers requested to have pictures taken with them.

The only hiccup of the evening involved Granley’s pants. Apparently, the senior’s britches weren’t well-suited for breakdancing and tore. But he was prepared. Granley had brought along extra rolls of tape for emergency repairs.

His outfit also got low marks for comfort. It seems that duct tape doesn’t breathe very well and can make for a hot, sweaty evening.

Ringo’s mother, Sue Kienitz, helped with the dress and also made a corsage and boutonniere out of duct tape for the pair. She estimates the couple invested about $85 in the tape required for their prom attire and probably put more than 30 hours of work into the project.