DynastySeries Interview: Behind The Black Tape Project with Joel Alvarez – Venge Media

Here at DS, we can appreciate the amount of effort it takes to create a signature series. Evolving an idea that may have only been intended for one shoot to a full series is quite a challenge. And now one has been able to overcome that better than The Black Tape Project. Atta boy’s are much deserved for Joel Alvarez and Venge Media for how far BTP has come.

The use of styling models with electric tape has already been in your arsenal. What motivated you to develop it into The Black Tape Project (BTP)?

Not sure if it was more the reaction of the people or all the ideas in my head that motivated me to turn it into a project. What ever it was, it became a project that has unlimited possibilities.

Where does the vision for each design evolve from?

I like to push the limits of the tape, see how far I can take it. It’s the whole point of the project. I don’t really plan the design, I prefer to free style on the spot. But it’s really all about the model, its her body that inspires me. She is the inspiration.

Each of the BTP designs has continued to increase in complexity. Was this an intentional decision to challenge yourself?

As the time went by I would develop new technique, anchor points, free points. I was able to experiment, but I can never keep up with my own ideas. It’s a constant chase.

The features with Eriana Blanco and Jazzma give us the first glimpses of merging fashion with BTP. Where can that take BTP?

Just this year its taken us to London, Ibiza, Cannes, Paris and Jamaica. The real goal is push the movement hopefully in front of international stylists and photographers, maybe even a challenge on Americas Next TopModel. So I promise to keep it coming, because in 2013 you will see our seasonal collection with one of our most beautiful canvases being announced. The Black Tape Project inspiration of the year.

BTP has also turned into a live show. For those who have yet to experience it for themselves, what can they expect to see?

I guess I’ll just tell you what the people say to me when they see it…”I’ve never seen anything like that” or “who knew that could be done with just tape”.

BTP had a great platform with your cover shoot of Vida Guerra and Italia Kash for FHM Czech Republic. How did that opportunity come together?

Actually Italia is a good friend and she flew me out to LA to record a video of her shoot with Vida. The tape was mentioned and suddenly it turned into the last look for the day. I said to myself “what better way to meet Vida Guerra.” She was real cool about it, cool peeps.

Along with FHM Czech Republic, BTP has been featured in International publications, such as Maxim Espanol, and you’ve taken BTP on the road to Caribbean and Europe. What has been the reaction to BTP internationally?

The feed back has been overwhelming. We are now scheduled to tour Coasta Rica, Monaco and Oslo Norway for the holidays. We are also prepairing for our spring collection model search, with the winners are invited on the next tour.

With the success of BTP, styling with tape is being used more and more by other photographers and publications. As its popularity continues to increase, how will BTP continue to stand out?