Miami Swim Week: Models swap bikinis for body tape on Black Tape Project runway

Miami Swim Week is known for showcasing risqué bikini designs.

But last Friday’s presentation by the Black Tape Project pushed the boundaries beyond anything seen before, with models walking down the runway completely nude except 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 very revealing designs drew praise from attendees and the wider fashion world, the runway show has been criticised for the models’ lack of body diversity.

‘I’m confused. Wasn’t Victoria’s Secret’s runway shows cancelled because of the unobtainable body shapes among models?’ one critic wrote.

‘How come this fashion show can take place? Can’t understand the fashion world.’ 

The catwalk show pushed the boundaries beyond anything seen before, with models walking down the runway completely nude except for strategically placed strips of body tape

After photos of the catwalk presentation went viral on social media, one Instagram user said it was a ‘great show’ but asked, ‘Where’s the variety of bodies?’

Another remarked: ‘All the models look the same.’

Despite criticism of the lack of plus-size models, many fashionistas supported the envelope-pushing show, with one simply commenting: ‘SPEECHLESS.’

While the very revealing designs drew praise from attendees and the wider fashion world, the runway show has been criticised for the models’ lack of body diversity

After photos of the catwalk presentation went viral on social media, one Instagram user said it was a ‘great show’ but asked, ‘Where’s the variety of bodies?’

The Black Tape Project is the brainchild of Cuban-American creative Joel Alvarez (centre), 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 colours on his website.

The most basic black hue starts at $9.99 a roll, while the more vibrant options – including metallic golds, blues, and pinks – cost up to $29.99 each. 

But Alvarez does not limit his art form to just runway models.

He was previously invited to Vienna to tape legendary supercars – the Ferrari 488 Spider and Lamborghini Urus – at the Gumball 3000 street rally.

Despite criticism of the lack of plus-size models, many fashionistas supported the envelope-pushing show, with one simply commenting: ‘SPEECHLESS’

Alvarez sells rolls of his signature body tape in a variety of colours on his website. A black roll starts at $9.99 a 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’