Clavicular makes New York City runway debut at Elena Velez show after Arizona arrest dismissal and looksmaxxing controversy

Braden Peters, better known online as Clavicular, made his loudest move yet in New York City last week. The 20-year-old internet figure, who rose from the looksmaxxing forum Looksmax.org, walked in a fashion show, met major media outlets, and streamed almost every second to thousands of viewers. Just days before that, he had been arrested in Scottsdale, Arizona. According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, prosecutors later dropped the case, saying there was “no reasonable likelihood of conviction.” He then flew straight to Manhattan.

Clavicular has built a name by chasing extreme self-improvement and shocking livestream moments. He calls himself “the lab rat of the community.” In New York, that online persona stepped into the real world. What followed was chaotic, tense, and impossible to ignore.

Braden Peters also known as Clavicular steps from Looksmax.org fame to Elena Velez runway in Manhattan

Before the fame, Braden Peters says his childhood in Hoboken, New Jersey, was normal. “There’s not a lot of deviation between five-year-olds,” he said. His father worked in business. His mother used to compete in bodybuilding. The family traveled, skied, and spent summers in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Things changed when he became deeply focused on fitness and appearance. He watched bodybuilding videos, joined forums, and eventually became one of the most active users on Looksmax.org. The site centers on “looksmaxxing,” a trend where mostly young men try to improve their faces and bodies to boost dating success. Some stick to grooming and gym work. Others talk about risky steps like extreme diets or unapproved substances.

Peters says he tried several methods shared online. He has spoken publicly about using anabolic steroids and peptides. Trenbolone, one drug he mentioned, is not approved for human use. He also discussed using other pills for hair growth and appetite control. Sacred Heart University later removed him after steroids were reportedly found in his dorm room.

Still, his online following grew. He became known for livestreams filled with bold comments and arguments. In December 2024, he appeared on a show with Michael Knowles from The Daily Wire and said he would choose a political candidate based on appearance. “I would vote for Gavin Newsom in 2028 because he looks better,” he said during that appearance.

In Manhattan, that same shock style followed him backstage at a show by designer Elena Velez. Models wore dramatic outfits inspired by artificial intelligence and body changes. Peters joked through fittings and hair styling but admitted he wanted viral edits. “I’m just here for the edits on TikTok,” he said.

By the end of the night, he had walked the runway, attended after-parties, and trended again online. Some see him as performance art. Others see danger in the extreme advice he shares. What is clear is this: Clavicular is no longer just a forum user. He has stepped into mainstream attention, and people are watching closely.