I modelled at New York Fashion Week wearing nothing but black tape – my dad suggested it and even came to the show
A MODEL who walked a catwalk wearing nothing but tape has opened up about how her dad encouraged her to do the eye-popping show.
Savannah Suarez, from New Jersey, took the runway for the Black Tape Project’s show at New York Fashion Week, which took place in February.
In 2018 the project first hit the runway - leaving audiences shocked as cuffs and anklets were made out of the tape as well as nipple coverings and g-strings.
This year daring pictures show a new set of models taking on the show with even less tape over their breasts, legs and elsewhere.
Savannah modelled for the brand for a third time, and revealed her dad first introduced her to the brand.
Speaking to the Daily Star, the bold model said: “My dad had actually seen one of the articles that came out about Miami Swim week a few years ago and he sent it to me and he was like, 'If you got this opportunity would you do it?'”
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Savannah claims she was reluctant to take part at first due to the "negative terms" that were associated with the racy looks.
However, her parents helped to change her mind and she quickly came on board.
She added: "I really sat for a second and talked about it with my parents who are my biggest support system and I was like 'Wait, it's showing the same amount of skin as a bikini, there's nothing different other than the fact that it's tape.'”
Savannah, who owns her own swimwear brand, said that not only are her parents “so supportive” of her modelling, but also her grandparents too.
And her “open-minded” dad even came to watch her first show, with her mum attending her second.
The model revealed: “I know it's rare. Every time I tell someone my dad came to my show they're like 'Your dad came?!' But I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm very grateful.”
The Black Tape Project is the brainchild of Joel Alvarez, the self-dubbed "king of tape”, and Savannah said he comes up with his designs “in the moment.”
Each model gets a tailored design based on her body, and they do have a bit of their modesty covered as they get taped up.
Savannah added that each woman gets a “p**** patch” which is a “piece of tape that you put on your private area yourself.”
My dad had actually seen one of the articles that came out about Miami Swim week a few years ago and he sent it to me and he was like, 'If you got this opportunity would you do it?'
Savannah Suarez
Thankfully it doesn’t hurt to remove the tape after the catwalk.
She added that they use oil and lotion before the show which helps with the pain once they come to pull the tape off.
However, if you are “more hairy” it can hurt more.
In 2023 at Miami Swim Week many of the models had shimmering, metallic pieces of tape placed in geometrical patterns over their stomach and breasts.
Others were given just a leaf-shaped patch of tape to cover their intimate areas.
How the Black Tape Project began
Duct tape bikinis - made famous by fashion label Black Tape Project - have made a return and they could be the most daring styles we've ever seen.
Founder Joel Alvarez was inspired to begin the trend over a decade ago while working as a photographer.
Writing on his website, he explained: "One day in 2008 I was a rookie photographer who was working with a model that suggested I use electrical tape her for the last look.
“I honestly had no idea why she would want this but to make her happy I attempted to use this tape as wardrobe.
“Essentially I just wrapped her in black electrical tape! Mind you she looked like two Christmas hams wrapped in rubber bands when I was done! (I’d never show you these images!)
“However, it sparked an idea in my head to develop this idea.”
One model could even be seen with decorative chains draped across her stomach and chest.
No matter what you think of his work, Alvarez is raking in cash with The Black Tape Project. Booking him for a live performance will set you back £42,000.
A personal taping session and photoshoot with the self-titled ‘King of Tape’ will cost you anywhere between £380 and £765, the New York Post has reported.
If you are particularly committed to experimenting with this sort of ‘outfit,’ Alvarez hosts seminars which teach participants how to create his mind-boggling and eye-popping styles. (Tickets prices vary from £380 to £575.)
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For those who might be a bit more budget-conscious, Alvarez sells different varieties of his signature tape via his website for between £9 and £25
If you are considering snapping up some for at-home application, he suggests you will need about two rolls per ‘outfit.’
