Headwear once adored by our parents, it took some time before it caught on with older children. Ultra trendy for almost two years, it returns to the forefront of the fashion scene this season. What is this accessory seen on the heads of girls in the wind?
It is one of those fashion pieces that are not unanimously accepted… Which conquers fashionistas and is the subject of numerous debates. Long confined to the wardrobe of our childhood, in recent years it has come back in force and is ultra trendy. Adored by parents because of its practicality, sometimes hated by our mini me because of the irritations it caused, it protected us from freezing temperatures and was impossible to misplace: a criterion of choice for our elders, in a child’s life made of playground adventures. This year again, it is on her that we will have to rely on to face the bitter cold and protect our pretty face.
Spotted on the catwalks of the most prominent luxury houses, it took a few months before it hit the streets. Fendi, Diesel, Prada and Saint-Laurent were already showing it in their fall-winter 2024 fashion shows… At the end of the year, it is reinvesting the heads of all fashionistas: it is the balaclava, also called “balaclava” .
Headgear protecting the entire skull, surrounding the face with a warm and delicate mesh, the balaclava was first born for utilitarian reasons, in the middle of the Crimean War (1853-1856). The British soldiers then wore it to protect themselves from the negative temperatures of the territory in which they fought. Its name, “balaklava”, refers to this port city where the clashes took place.
It was finally in the 80s that the balaclava became extremely popular. Little by little, she extracts herself from her original wardrobe to take on other fashion imaginaries: that of children, skiers, revolutionaries and other gangsters. And for two years, she has experienced a true golden age in the fashion sphere. Today it is adorned with various fabrics and materials, taking on more unique silhouettes: extravagant at Diesel, inspired by tights at Saint Laurent, cat ears version at Coperni…
His fashion asset? It is one of those accessories that enhances the look of all winter pieces, even the most mundane. A classic coat can therefore take on as many different looks as desired, from the most casual to the most sophisticated. Likewise, all it takes is an ultra-stylish balaclava to boost the style of an old-fashioned coat, purchased several years ago, and give it a touch of modernity. Underneath a black coat that couldn’t be more ordinary, you can wear a leopard-print balaclava to make yourself look good. For a more streetwear silhouette, it can be worn over a cap.
For the false air of a Parisian “mob wife”, we will happily accompany it with sunglasses, faux fur and a luxury designer bag.
The balaclava has since invaded ready-to-wear labels and luxury houses. Zara, Mango, H&M: you can easily get your hands on them. Our favorite balaclava? This model designed by the Scandinavian brand, at a low price.
For those who like to save money and/or take on challenges: you can also crochet and/or knit it yourself!
Finally, for fashion enthusiasts who don’t want to spend a penny or spend time on it, last option: give a scarf that you already own the false appearance of a balaclava, thanks to the way you tie it.