No, not the yuppie happy hour haunt, but the military-influenced ski mask dating from the 1800s that’s one of Fall’s most daring – and versatile – accessories. Here, a look at some of its biggest fashion moments then and now.
https://www.femalemag.com.sg/gallery/fashion/fashion-revival-balaclava/
Balaclava Headwear Is The Hottest Fashion Accessory Now
It was a symbol of ladylike refinement in the ’60s: Women – like Grace Kelly here – wore balaclavas under hats, while brands like Dior produced them.
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The balaclava went intellectual at Jil Sander F/W ’11: Thanks to Raf Simons, who drew on celebrated lenswoman Louise Dahl-Wolfe’s mid-century modern images of couture shot in ski resorts.
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Maison Margiela coutured it out: And you know when it does, it makes headlines – first in F/W ’12, with fully crystal-covered masks for each of the 15 looks (Kanye West would later adapt them for his Yeezus tour); and then in F/W ’13 (left), where they were festooned in the likes of embroidery, sequinned flowers and pearls.
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Possibly the most romantic showcase ever at Alexander McQueen S/S ’12: 33 goddess-inspired looks, 33 matching balaclavas – each painstakingly crafted out of beads and lace.
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Every alt girl wanted one in 2012: Specifically one in pink with a unicorn patch, as worn by the good-girl-gone-bad cast of the lurid yet stylish heist film Spring Breakers, released that year. (Opening Ceremony was behind the design.)
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Burberry transforms it into head jewellery this F/W ’17: Rococo-esque and swathed in crystals, it’s one of the most opulent we’ve seen.
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Gucci F/W ’17 gets everyone, including Rihanna, going gaga over it: Alessandro Michele’s refreshing take – in gold lurex or hand-embroidered diamante mesh – stormed social media when it was revealed during fashion week. The buzz doubled when Riri wore the latter to Coachella.
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Rihanna reinstates its street cred: With Fenty x Puma F/W ’17, where collegiate-tinged balaclavas complete a sporty, delinquent school girl wardrobe.
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Kenzo pays tribute to Pussy Riot – and its own heritage: By reviving the balaclava worn in a 1975 ad lensed by Hans Feurer as part of La Collection Momento No. 1 (left), its new archive-inspired capsule collection. As hinted in the show notes, it’s also a sly nod to the uniform of Russian activists Pussy Riot (above), the ultimate balaclava-donning style heroines.
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It gets the modern, pretty treatment at Delpozo F/W ’17: With futuristic floral paillettes
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Catwalk Photos Showbit.com Spring Breakers Film Still & Pussy Riot Poster TPG/Click Photos
This story first appeared in Female’s August 2017 issue.
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