Balaclavas to win the 'mask game' this winter

From marginal accessory to mass culture, the balaclava returned to the street style a few seasons ago, bringing out the global interpretation of the fashion item by both luxury and independent brands.

Raf Simons became one of the first creatives to style and design a high-end balaclava. Structural capitalism did the rest: re-setting a liquid trend at the vanishing point. And more so, in the midst of a dystopian era where anonymity and protection stood as latent concepts.

From Gucci versions to Calvin Klein, Preen, Marine Serre or Alexander Wang. From mohair wool to stretch nylon; the controversial accessory with a military past returns to vibrate this fall-winter for us to advance like ninjas towards an uncertain future.

Here is a selection of 5 iterations of the balaclava for you to win the “mask game” next season: