Dancing With the Stars showcases handmade Jungle Book dress by viral creator Kelsey Swarthout

Kelsey Swarthout was asked to create a dress for ABC’s Dancing With the Stars Disney-themed episode, and her handmade Jungle Book dress appeared on prime-time television for the first time.

The piece was worn by contestant Danielle Fishel during the show’s celebration of Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary on October 7, 2025.

Swarthout, who shares her clothing creations on Instagram, told PEOPLE that she was contacted directly by Fishel to design a dress for the performance.

“It got to her in time and she got to wear it on the show,” Swarthout said.

Kelsey Swarthout’s handmade Jungle Book dress debuts on Dancing With the Stars 

Background and early work

Swarthout has created hundreds of dresses before her television appearance. She began sewing in middle school as a hobby and later studied architecture in college.

After working at an architectural firm, she returned to sewing following a job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. A trip to Disneyland and the discovery of a vintage Mickey Mouse bedsheet on eBay led her to create a small pair of Mickey Mouse ears and a matching dress.

Sharing the dress on Instagram contributed to the growth of her account, which now includes more than 300,000 followers.

Swarthout’s Instagram features custom-made clothing, often upcycled from vintage children’s bedsheets and blankets.

She produces dresses, jackets, bags, and crewnecks, combining commissioned pieces with personal projects. Customers can mail in childhood bedsheets for Swarthout to transform into wearable items.

She manages the majority of the work herself, including sewing, filming content, editing, and responding to messages.

Collaboration with Danielle Fishel

The collaboration with Fishel began when the actress sent Swarthout an Instagram message requesting a custom dress for the DWTS Disney episode.

Fishel provided measurements, shared details about the Jungle Book-themed dance, and selected several dress designs that she preferred. Swarthout confirmed that the project had a tight timeline, stating,

“I was about to go on a trip around the same time, so I didn't even know if it would be able to happen — but just the fact that she thought of me and messaged me and wanted to include me in the process at all was just so sweet and genuine.”

Once Swarthout returned from her trip, she completed the dress in time for the episode. Fishel also invited her to Disneyland during the filming of the episode, allowing Swarthout to observe the set and production process. Swarthout noted,

“She just looked so good in it, first of all… So to see that — and then it's on her. It was just such a special moment.”

Current projects and future plans

In addition to her television work, Swarthout is preparing to release her first book, Sew Nostalgic!, which includes 12 patterns and step-by-step instructions for upcycling bedsheets into wearable items.

The book is scheduled for release on February 24, 2026. Swarthout began the book project approximately a year and a half ago. She continues to manage her Instagram business and produce new clothing designs.

Swarthout’s work on the DWTS Jungle Book dress represents her first appearance on prime-time television and highlights her ongoing practice of upcycling vintage fabrics into custom garments.

The episode featured her dress as part of a Disney-themed performance, marking a collaboration between a viral creator and a mainstream television program.

Stay tuned for more updates.