Since the label's runway debut for the Spring/Summer '89 season, held in a dark Parisian nightclub with simple white cotton fabric on the floor marking the runway, anonymity has been a central theme for Maison Margiela — and that goes beyond its founder refusing to be photographed and being almost impossible to get an interview with.
Many of the models for that first show had their faces partially obscured by their hair while others had full-on masks covering the entire of their faces with sheer fabric, the precursor to all the experimentation with anonymity that came after.
That has ranged from painting model's faces to the crystal and mirror-covered designs made famous by Kanye's stage costume for the Yeezus tour, created by the Maison after Martin Margiela left.
However, for all those experimental takes, the house continues to release simple sheer masks reminiscent of the OGs from SS89. And like so many other ideas that the Maison introduced in that first show, like its now-iconic Tabi boots, it looks every bit as subversive and experimental today.
At a time when balaclavas have almost become a staple winter accessory and high fashion labels seem to be competing for who can show the biggest hat on the runway, Margiela's masks still hold up as a radical statement.
Thought to be used so that less attention from the crowd was given to how the model looked and instead given to the clothes, the latest mask to release from the label is bound to get heads turning.
Crafted from a semi-sheer fabric to partially conceal your identity, it is available now at our online store for $200 and releases alongside more of the latest accessories from Maison Margiela. This includes a belt with a white paint effect and a minimal black leather card holder — all available at the Highsnobiety Shop.
