During Miami Swim Week 2022, the Black Tape Project captured attention with outfits crafted entirely from black duct tape, along with concurrent pieces in white and gold. The collection leaned into bold, body-skimming forms that explored texture, silhouette, and contrast rather than traditional fabric draping.
One model described the experience of spending an extended period in tape, noting a 12-hour day immersed in the process from preparation through the showcase. The commitment echoed the brand’s emphasis on endurance and artistic masking, where materials and body become one design narrative rather than separate elements.
Chanel Rivera, a participant in the project, shared her appreciation for the team behind the show. She highlighted the hours of preparation and shooting involved, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear what she called the artist’s work, underscoring the collaborative nature of performance fashion and wearable art.
The aesthetic approach featured minimalist coverage that pushed the boundaries of visibility, using adhesive tape to sculpt lines around the torso and limbs. The choice of black, white, and gold created a stark visual language that contrasted against the skin while emphasizing form and line work. The effect was striking, inviting spectators to rethink texture and surface in contemporary fashion presentations.
Even as conversations around body positivity and the de-sexing of female imagery continue to evolve, the show drew a lively, enthusiastic response from audiences online. The online conversation reflected varied reactions, with many viewers drawn to the audacious presentation and the conversation it stirs about fashion as performance and sculpture.
Within the broader week, the Sports Illustrated fashion showcase stood out as a notable moment, highlighting the mingling of traditional publishing platforms with high-concept runway art. The event showcased a blend of glossy athleticism and couture-style presentation, reinforcing Miami Swim Week as a stage for both commercial and conceptual fashion statements.
In related fashion news, coverage from industry outlets and social roundups continued to discuss the range of creative expressions seen during the week, spanning photography, styling choices, and the evolving definitions of what constitutes swimwear and body adornment. The emphasis remained on the intersection of artistry, performance, and the bold choices designers deploy to challenge conventional aesthetics. [Citation: coverage from industry sources and roundups]