The2025 New York Fashion Weekis heading up to its final day tomorrow (January 11), leaving in its wake a host of impactful designs that have left viewers ranging from inspired…tooutright baffled.
Such is the case of designer Drakhan Blackhart’sBlack Tape Project, which features models wearing nothing butstrategically placed tapein green, blue, purple, and black, arranged to form mosaics, bandage-style bodysuits, and lingerie-inspired patterns.
HighlightsA Fashion Week runway featured models wearing only strategically placed tape.Some viewers praised the models' confidence, while others saw it as ‘sexual perversion.‘The concept originated from the designer’s experience with Miami’s nightlife scene.The designer defended his art, calling it ‘the foundation of a new fashion genre.’
While some praised the models’ confidence and the creativity behindthecreations, others had a much harshertake onthe runway.
“This isn’t fashion, this is sexual perversion parading as art!” one viewer wrote. “My grandson could make something like this!”
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Some New York Fashion Week viewers were left “confused” and “disgusted” after a runway featured models dressed in nothing but tape
Image credits:newyorkstyleguide
According toBlackhart, whose real name is Joel Alvarez, theconceptwas born from his experiences with photographing erotic dancers in Miami’s nightlife scene.
What initially started as an attempt tocensorthe women’s private parts eventually evolved into a style all his own.
Dubbed “The King of Tape,” Blackhart describes himself as the world’s “only expert” in the field of “Body Tape Art.”
Image credits:New York Style Guide
His work caught the eye of numerous adult publications,includingMaximandPlayboy Magazine,andgranted him collaborations with artists such as director Michael Bay, singer Maluma, and a host of DJs like Carl Cox, Chukie, and Afrojack.
Critics argued that the erotically charged designs were demeaning to women, while others praised the boldness of the attire
Image credits:blacktapeproject
Despite Blackhart’s rise to fame, theerotic natureof his designs raised eyebrows among viewers who felt they were unfit for high-profile events like New York Fashion Week.
“If this is just tape and not about clothing, then what is the modeling industry really about? Are they selling the women?” one user asked.
Image credits:Mark Gunter/Getty Images
The show also reignited debates about self-respect andbody autonomy.
“I’m sure the womenaren’t forcedto do this. It’s their choice,” one defender of the models wrote, while others pointed to similar public outrage aimed at celebrities like Bianca Censori.
“So whenBianca Censoridoes it, it’s abuse, but when Fashion Week does it, it’s art?” one user asked.
Experts defended Blackhart’s designs, explaining that Fashion Week is a diverse stage for creators with varied creative visions
Despite the mixed reception his work had, Blackhart remained confident in his vision, stating that his Black Tape Project is the “foundation” of a new genre of fashion and photography.
“I know the body tape art genre is here to stay longer than I will be alive,” he said. “[It] has saved my life, and now I am able to provide for my family, my circle, and myself.”
Image credits:thekingoftape
Romina Sotelo, a stylist andfashion designerbased in Toronto, Canada, explained toBored Pandathat Fashion Weekas an eventis, first and foremost, a platform for designers.
“Some designers specialize in luxury fashion, others in formal clothing, and some in moreoutlandish, creative outfits,” she said. “It’s not just about selling clothes but rather showcasing them as “works of art” and highlighting their personal style.”
Sotelo stressed that theFashion Weekfeatures dozens of designers with shows overan entireweek. With themost controversial outfits catching people’s attention over all others.
“Design and art can be highly subjective, but ultimately, it’s necessary to examine the designer’s background and trajectory to understand where their inspiration comes from.”
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“The whole thing is revolting,” one user wrote. “Isn’t this the same as prostitution?”
“Not pretty, not smart, not fashionable, and not even sexy. Just weird and pretty much disgusting to be honest,” another said.
“These ‘models’ don’t ooze confidence, they look depressed and concerned, as they should be,” argued one viewer. “Why have laws against nudity at all?”
Others took the chance to mock the designs, calling them the “Electric Tape Collection.”
“Does electrical insulation tape need promotion in this way?” one user asked.
“I’ve got a roll of duct tape in the garage if anybody needs a new suit!”
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