Model Ashley Graham unveiled the hidden support behind her stunning CFDA Awards gown, showcasing the boob tape that kept her look flawless. Her Instagram reveal provided an intimate glimpse into the red carpet preparations that captivated fans and highlighted the practical realities of high fashion.
The CFDA Awards, held at the American Museum of Natural History on Monday, saw Ashley Graham making a striking entrance in an artfully draped ivory silk dress by Daniella Kallmeyer. As a guest of Meta, Graham attended the fashion industry event where Kallmeyer was nominated for American Womenswear Designer of the Year. Her appearance was not just about the dress itself but the engineering that made it possible. In a carousel of behind-the-scenes snaps shared on Instagram, Graham highlighted the meticulous prep work, captioning the post, ‘A gorgeous night with the @cfda 🤍 thank you @meta 🤍,’ which drew attention to the collaborative effort behind the scenes.
The secret to Graham’s slinky look was revealed to be ample boob tape and shapewear, which she credited for keeping her curves in place throughout the evening. In a video taken in the bathroom at the ceremony, Graham celebrated her arrival, declaring, ‘We frickin’ made it to the CFDAs! My dress made it, I made it, and my boobies are all taped up.’ This candid moment featured WNBA star Angel Reese and Cult Gaia founder Jasmin Hekmat, with Reese commenting on the post, ‘Bathroom time with some baddiesssss😍🤪,’ underscoring the fun and reality behind the glamour of such events.
Fans were quick to react to the styling hack, flooding the comments with requests for tutorials and praise for the adhesive. One commenter wrote, ‘That boob tape is taping! I need an instructional video! You look gorgeous per usual! 🔥,’ while influencer Lauren Wambolt added, ‘Boob tape is truly a miracle.’ Graham replied, ‘it really really is 🙏🏼,’ emphasizing her reliance on the product. This isn’t the first time she has praised boob tape; in 2022, she shared a video of a ‘freakum dress’ that required an ‘obnoxious’ amount of tape to ‘keep these girls up,’ showing her long-standing use of this fashion staple.
Beyond the tape, Graham’s Instagram post offered other insights into her red carpet routine. A video from the back of a limo bus showed stylist Ava Deith steaming her dress and hairstylist Rosibel del Jesus putting finishing touches on her hair, highlighting the teamwork involved in achieving a flawless appearance. Inside the ceremony, guests dined on chicken pot pie, a nod to Vogue global editorial director Anna Wintour’s well-known preference for the dish at the annual event. Graham sat with celebrity stylist Law Roach and actress Ryan Destiny, adding to the star-studded atmosphere and connections within the industry.
The revelation of Graham’s boob tape usage resonates in the fashion world, where such hacks are often kept behind the scenes. Her openness provides a relatable touch for fans and aspiring models, demystifying the perfection of red carpet looks. As a body positivity advocate, Graham’s transparency about the support needed for her curves aligns with her message of self-acceptance and practical beauty. This incident may inspire more discussions about the tools and techniques used in high fashion, encouraging others to share their own experiences.
Looking ahead, Graham’s influence could lead to increased popularity and sales for boob tape products, as seen in past trends she has sparked. Her ability to blend glamour with authenticity continues to endear her to a broad audience, reinforcing her role as a relatable figure in the modeling industry. The CFDA Awards, celebrating American fashion, served as a perfect backdrop for this reveal, emphasizing the innovation and effort in couture. Graham’s post not only celebrated the event but also educated her followers on the realities of fashion engineering, likely inspiring future conversations about beauty and preparation.