New York Fashion Week is in full swing as models have caused a buzz among the fashion community by walking the runway in nothing but body tape.
The event in the Big Apple, which comes twice a year, commenced last Friday, and a selection of innovative creations have already made the catwalk.
On Saturday, the spotlight was on The Black Tape Project, powered by House of Paradise producer Mossab Alsaray.
It is the work of Drakhan Blackhart, a Cuban American raised in Miami, who has dubbed himself the ‘world’s only body tape expert’ and a ‘pioneer of the body tape art genre,’ on his website.
Blackhart’s designs use minimal fabric, allowing the focus to remain purely on the black tape, making the inventive runway outfits particularly revealing.
Models took to the runway for The Black Tape Project in innovative ensembles at New York Fashion Week on Saturday
While most designers prepare outfits in advance for fashion week, Blackhart got to work on the runway and applied the black tape in front of an audience.
One model posed in the middle of the runway while the designer applied the tape across her body.
Though most of the designs focused on black body tape, models also wore metallic colours of blue and green around their wrists.
Blackhart added a further dynamic to other models’ looks by embellishing their tape with studs.
He has worked his way up from shooting for local magazines in Miami and has operated in the industry for the past two decades.
‘Today, I am focused on teaching and educating others by encouraging the world to try this new genre of body art with a collection of our own skin safe body tape that I have curated from my own projects in the past,’ Blackhart explained on his website.
He continued: ‘At first, I was very defensive about anyone replicating this concept that I felt was mine and mine alone.
‘But I soon realised that it was this specific journey that would allow me to open my skill, techniques and secrets to the world and that’s what truly launched me to success.’
The event, powered by House Of Paradise producer Mosaab Alsaray, saw models on the catwalk in revealing designs
Designer Drakhan Blackhart (pictured) applied body tape on a model in the middle of the runway
Designer Drakhan Blackhart has worked in the industry for the past two decades. Pictured, one of his risque looks
Body tape was positioned in the shape of a cross and embellished with silver studs for one model’s runway look
Elsewhere, a model paraded in a look that saw black tape – embellished with silver studs – positioned across her body shaped like a cross.
It wasn’t just straight lines that Blackhart crafted across the model’s bodies, but also curved shapes.
In other ensembles, the designer used angled pieces of metallic tape in shades of blue and green to create an appearance of broken shards of glass.
In most instances, the eye-catching creations were teamed with chunky black-heeled sandals or boots.
The models opted for glamorous makeup looks for the occasion, complete with black eyeliner, lashings of mascara, and nude lipstick.
The Black Tape Project uses minimal fabric, allowing the focus to remain solely on the black tape
The revealing yet inventive runway outfits are likely to cause a stir among onlookers in the fashion community
In another look, a model added a metallic chain headpiece to complement the innovative design
One model added a pair of thigh-high platform black metallic boots to complete the revealing look
A host of A-List celebrities have flocked to New York to catch a glimpse of next season’s designs.
On Friday, Rihanna and Kendall Jenner showcased contrasting styles while attending the Alaïa Spring 2025 show during New York Fashion Week.
The Umbrella singer, 36, looked glamorous as ever at the event — held at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum — wearing a custom Alaïa crystal mesh gown.
The glittering dress fell off her shoulders, and underneath, the star wore a cream corset.
The superstar — who came directly from The Daily Front Row Fashion Media Awards, where she also wore a pricey Alaïa look — completed the outfit with strappy pearl-adorned heels and matching earrings.
Meanwhile, Kendall, 28, who walked the runway at the show, took a more laid-back approach, exhibiting her toned midriff in a white crop top, black shorts, and a black leather jacket.
A model paraded in a look that saw black tape positioned in curved lines across her chest and torso
The black tape was paired with a chained body piece and pair of platform heeled sandals in another look
A model sported a full face of glamorous makeup, complete with a crimson lip and black eyeliner
The models showcased their looks one final time together at the end of the show, which took place at New York Fashion Week
The designer, who has worked in the industry for two decades, started out by working at local magazines in Miami
The Vogue cover girl slicked her hair back and wore a pair of black loafers with white socks.
She accessorized with a tote bag and shielded her eyes with a pair of black sunglasses.
Kendall also re-shared a clip of herself walking the runway to her Instagram Stories.
The Kardashians star rocked a beige bandeau top and billowing black pants as she strutted down Guggenheim’s spiral ramp.
Steven Tyler’s daughter, Liv Tyler, 47, looked chic in a black long-sleeve top, fitted slacks, and mesh shoes that showed off her dark pedicure.
Tracee Ellis Ross, 51, also opted for a white blouse, a maxi black skirt and open-toe black heels.
Amber Valletta, 50, turned heads in a sheer black turtleneck dress, which she paired with strappy black heels and a chunky gold bangle bracelet.
The beauty wore her blonde tresses slicked back.
Naomi Campbell, 54, made the event as well, wearing a stylish all-black outfit.
Her hair was styled into a classy bob reminiscent of Vogue editor Anna Wintour’s signature hairstyle. Naomi recently had a public feud with Wintour.
Campbell hit back at Wintour in a furious speech after the editor made a ‘dig’ at her lateness during Harlem’s Fashion Row show earlier this week.
Anna, 74, was due to present Naomi the Icon of the Year award but told the audience she had to leave because Naomi was running late, and she had other places to be.
After Anna left the event, Harper’s Bazaar’s editor Samira Nasr introduced Naomi with the award as Anna’s replacement.
Anna’s sly dig prompted Naomi to hit back as she said: ‘Yes, “Naomi’s always late.” I just want to say this. Everything’s going to work out the way it’s meant to work out.’
‘It wasn’t my choice to have the other lady, but I’d much rather have this, so thank you.’
Drakhan Blackhart (pictured), a Cuban American raised in Miami, has dubbed himself the ‘world’s only body tape expert’
The creative designer (pictured left), who was born in Miami, applied tape on a model on the runway
The designer used angled pieces of metallic tape in shades of blue and green to create an appearance of broken glass
The Black Tape Project event on Saturday was powered by House of Paradise producer Mossab Alsaray
The designer added a further dynamic to the model’s look by embellishing their tape with studs
Former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, 52, was also in attendance at Friday’s show and looked dapper in a navy suit.
Race car driver Lewis Hamilton, 39, sported a Matrix-style look, wearing a long black coat and sunglasses.
The Alaïa fashion house was founded by Azzedine Alaïa, who started his career as a pattern cutter in Paris in the 1960s before launching his label in the 1980s.
Pieter Mulier is the current creative director of Alaïa.
Mulier experimented with ethereal gowns, consistent with the modern yet sexy aesthetic he has cultivated during his tenure at the brand.
