Is body tape a bikini? Take a look at this controversial Miami designer’s latest show
Joel Alvarez doesn’t use tape like regular people to, say, hang a poster or wrap a gift.
The controversial local designer has become infamous for strategically placing the household item onto models’ bodies, then sending them down a runway.
On Sunday night, the so-called King of Tape, who these days now goes by the name Drakhan Blackhart, was back to his old, sticky tricks for Miami Swim Week.
Stunning (not to mention, brave) women strutted in just adhesive at the M2 nightclub in South Beach, at the show put on by Art Hearts Fashion.
The risque styles went beyond the artist’s signature black tape. Also in the mix were bright colors and metallics affixed to the women’s flesh in various patterns and shapes.
Some catwalkers donned masks, wore “bracelets” or carried props like a guitar. Others struck a pose as Alvarez made a quick fix with a snip right there on stage.
Despite being basically naked in front of hundreds of people, Alvarez’s so-called dragons seemed completely comfortable in their, um, skin.
On Instagram Monday, one of the participants told her followers that the experience was definitely different.
“I got a bit out of my comfort zone last night,” she wrote, along with snaps of her look, a grommet encrusted halter top bikini. “OMG.”
Despite the unconventional material, Alvarez promises his models are in no pain.
The body tape is “completely non-toxic and does not leave any residue behind,” says his website, which sells rolls of the stuff in case you want to take on a DIY project this summer.
Take a look at some of the risque designs (these might not be suitable for work, so prudes beware)
This story was originally published June 3, 2024 at 3:59 PM.
