Miami Swim Week: Models swap bikinis for body tape on Black Tape Project runway
The outrageous ‘duct tape bikini’ trend is dividing the fashion world as models walk the runway completely naked, barring strips of body tape: ‘I’m confused. How can this happen?’
Miami Swim Week is known for showcasing bold bikini designs.
But last Friday’s presentation by the Black Tape Project pushed the boundaries beyond anything seen before, with models walking the runway completely naked save for strategically placed strips of body tape.
The Black Tape Project is the brainchild of Cuban-American creative Joel Alvarez, who overcame poverty to become one of his country’s most provocative designers.
While the highly revealing designs were praised by attendees and the rest of the fashion world, the runway show was criticized for the models’ lack of body diversity.
‘I am confused. Aren’t the Victoria’s Secret catwalk shows canceled because of the unattainable body shapes among the models?’ one critic wrote.
“How come this fashion show can go on? Can’t understand the fashion world.’
A runway presentation by the Black Tape Project caused quite a stir during Miami Swim Week last Friday
The runway show pushed the boundaries beyond anything seen before, with models walking the catwalk completely nude save for strategically placed strips of body tape
After photos of the runway presentation went viral on social media, one Instagram user said it was an “amazing show” but asked, “Where’s the variety of bodies?”
Another commented, “All models look the same.”
Despite criticism of the lack of curvier models, many fashionistas supported the show pushing the envelopes with a simple comment: “SPEECHLESS.”
While the highly revealing designs were praised by attendees and the wider fashion world, the runway show drew criticism for the models’ lack of body diversity.
After photos of the runway presentation went viral on social media, one Instagram user said it was an “amazing show” but asked, “Where’s the variety of bodies?”
The Black Tape Project is the brainchild of Cuban-American creative Joel Alvarez (center), who overcame poverty to become one of his country’s most provocative designers
Another added, “Everyone’s jaw MUST be on the floor!” A third said, “What a show.”
Alvarez sells rolls of his signature body tape in a variety of colors on his website.
The most basic shade of black starts at $9.99 a roll, while the more vibrant options — including metallic gold, blue, and pink — cost up to $29.99 each.
But Alvarez doesn’t limit his art form to runway models.
He was previously invited to Vienna to take on legendary supercars – the Ferrari 488 Spider and Lamborghini Urus – at the Gumball 3000 street rally.
Despite criticism of the lack of curvier models, many fashionistas supported the envelope show, with a simple comment: ‘SPEECHLESS’
Alvarez sells rolls of his signature body tape in a variety of colors on his website. A black roll starts at $9.99 per roll, while the more vibrant options cost up to $29.99 each
“Everyone’s jaw must be on the floor!” one commenter said, while another wrote: ‘What a show’