schools
This Bay Area student’s viral duct tape prom dress has a deeper meaning that’ll stick
By KTVU FOX 2 News
· July 3, 2026
· 1 min read
Sophie Chai, 17, of Union City didn't wear the usual prom attire this time around. The rising San Jose State freshman ditched the sequins, sparkles and satin and instead picked up rolls of duct tape to create her gown.
Key takeaway The rising San Jose State freshman ditched the sequins, sparkles and satin and instead picked up rolls of duct tape to create her gown.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The creative use of duct tape as a prom dress material by Sophie Chai, a 17-year-old student from Union City, brings attention to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of Bay Area students. As Chai prepares to attend San Jose State, her unconventional approach to prom attire reflects the diverse and innovative spirit of the region's young people. This incident also highlights the potential for local schools to encourage unconventional thinking and artistic expression, values that are deeply ingrained in the Bay Area's culture of innovation and experimentation. The fact that Chai's dress has gained viral attention suggests that her creativity has resonated with a wider audience, sparking conversations about the role of self-expression and individuality in local schools and communities. As the Bay Area continues to foster a culture of innovation, it will be interesting to see how students like Chai continue to push boundaries and challenge traditional norms.
About this story
Original reporting by KTVU FOX 2 News . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTVU FOX 2 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KTVU FOX 2 News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Sophie Chai, 17, of Union City didn't wear the usual prom attire this time around. The rising San Jose State freshman ditched the sequins, sparkles and satin and instead picked up rolls of duct tape to create her gown.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by KTVU FOX 2 News and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KTVU FOX 2 News. To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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