The strapless mini dress was paired with matching high-heeled pumps wrapped in the same material.

Model Gigi Hadid made a striking appearance on the runway at Paris Fashion Week during the Vetements show, wrapped head-to-toe in yellow and red DHL-branded packing tape, turning the adhesive material into a bold fashion statement. The adhesive material was fashioned into a strapless mini dress, with matching high-heeled pumps similarly covered in tape. This unusual choice of textile was one of the most striking and cost-effective designs to grace the high-fashion runway this season. While the idea of using tape as a fabric substitute may seem unconventional, it’s not entirely new to the fashion world.

The use of tape as a design element has made several high-profile appearances in recent years. In 2017, renowned designer Raf Simons incorporated custom-printed tape into his Calvin Klein collection, cinching the waists of models wearing wool overcoats with messages like “Walk with Me” and “RSYP Youth Project” emblazoned on the tape. The same year, Jeremy Scott, known for his bold and eccentric designs, found inspiration in everyday trash for his Moschino collection. Scott used tape to create intricate straps and detailing on gowns, further establishing tape’s role as a creative tool in high fashion. Fast forward to 2022, and Kim Kardashian turned heads at the Balenciaga show in Paris by donning an outfit that left almost no inch of her body uncovered by Balenciaga-branded yellow and black police tape. The ensemble not only became a viral moment but also highlighted the versatility of tape in fashion. As Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic for The New York Times, noted, Kardashian’s outfit made a distinctive “sticky tape-y sound” as she walked, further underscoring the unconventional nature of the material.

Tape’s journey from an everyday utility to a fashion statement is as unexpected as it is fascinating. Duct tape, one of the most common forms of adhesive tape, was originally invented during World War II by Vesta Stoudt, an American mother and munitions factory worker. Stoudt noticed inefficiencies in how soldiers’ ammunition boxes were sealed, leading her to develop a waterproof adhesive solution that made opening the boxes easier and more reliable. The tape quickly proved its value beyond packaging, becoming a multi-purpose tool for soldiers who used it to fix everything from torn boots and damaged vehicle fenders to makeshift bandages.

By the 2010s, duct tape had transcended its utilitarian origins and entered the realm of fashion and pop culture. No longer confined to hardware stores, the tape began appearing in a wide range of colors, patterns, and even scents, with some rolls featuring images of popular characters like Hello Kitty. The creative potential of duct tape reached new heights in reality television, where constructing clothing from sticky material became a popular challenge on shows like Project Runway. Contestants were often tasked with using duct tape to create intricate, wearable garments, showcasing the versatility and durability of the adhesive.

Duct tape’s presence in pop culture was further solidified when Lady Gaga incorporated it into her iconic fashion repertoire. In the award-winning 2010 music video for her song “Telephone,” which also featured Beyoncé, Gaga famously wore nothing but yellow caution tape in one scene, writhing in a prison cell while clad in the eye-catching material. The video became an instant cultural touchpoint, proving that even the most utilitarian items could be transformed into high fashion with the right creative vision.

Tape, in all its forms, continues to push the boundaries of fashion and design. What began as a practical tool has evolved into a medium for bold artistic expression. Designers like Raf Simons, Jeremy Scott, and brands like Vetements and Balenciaga have embraced the material, turning it into a symbol of modern innovation and daring creativity. From the war-torn trenches of World War II to the glittering runways of Paris, tape has carved out a unique and unexpected niche in the fashion world. Its role as both a functional and fashionable material highlights the industry’s ever-evolving relationship with everyday objects, reminding us that true creativity knows no bounds.