Exciting Victory in Creative Fashion
In a whimsical blend of creativity and fun,
Kari Curletto of Nevada has been named the grand prize winner of the inaugural
Toilet Paper Derby Hat Contest presented by
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This unique competition, organized by
CharmWeddings.com, successfully combined DIY fashion with the classic Kentucky Derby aesthetic, leading to stunning and innovative creations by participants from all around the nation.
The contest challenged contestants to craft stylish, wearable Derby hats
exclusively using toilet paper, glue, tape, and basic sewing materials. Kari's winning entry, aptly named
Silver Charm, wowed the judges and took home the grand prize of
$500. Along with this substantial cash prize, her creations will receive a special feature in one of Ripley's Odditoriums, and she will also be highlighted in the annual
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! publication.
The Creative Journey
Kari Curletto’s innovative design stood out in a contest that had numerous talented entries. The runners-up included
Susan Nicholson from Georgia, who secured second place with a creative hat, earning her
$250, and a thrilling three-way tie for third place, which saw
Roy Cruz from Virginia and
Gale Ruppel from Missouri each earning
$100.
Laura Gawne, co-founder of Charm Weddings, expressed her enthusiasm for the contest's success: “We are thrilled to showcase the talent of our participants. Each entry brilliantly captured the spirit of the Derby, and we look forward to hosting this event again next year!”
The judging criteria for the contest focused on
creativity, originality, beauty, workmanship, and the effective use of toilet paper in the design. Judges hailed from the Charm Weddings team, known for their inventive wedding ideas and contests.
A Tradition Reimagined
Charm Weddings, co-founded by sisters
Laura Gawne and
Susan Bain, has been inspiring couples for over two decades with unique wedding-related contests, including the renowned
Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest. This latest event marks a creative evolution for the brand and has captured the hearts of DIY enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike. The Toilet Paper Derby Hat Contest is expected to become an annual fixture, further blending tradition with contemporary creativity.
Gawne added, “Seeing the imaginative ways people have interpreted the Derby theme using toilet paper has been nothing short of incredible! We can’t wait to see what next year brings.”
For more stunning creations and competition details, readers can visit
charmweddings.com.
About Charm Weddings
Founded 23 years ago, Charm Weddings has established a vibrant online community where engaged couples and their families can find engaging content, tips, and inspiration for their special day. As the creators of several popular contests, their mission is to provide entertaining and creative platforms for celebrating love.
About Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a leader in family entertainment with a rich history dating back to 1918. The company operates over 100 attractions worldwide and continues to expand its offerings, including wax museums and traveling shows. For more information about Ripley’s exciting adventures, visit
Ripleys.com.
The collaboration between Ripley’s and Charm Weddings highlights the fun side of creativity and engagement in the community, proving that sometimes the most unusual materials can yield the most memorable fashion statements.