Mask Moments On The Autumn/Winter 2019 Runways And Beyond
The mysterious accessories show the dramatic side of fashion.
Masks appeared in many forms on the Fall/Winter 2019 runways. From air-filtering face masks to avant garde masquerade styles, designers highlighted the mysterious accessory, bringing intrigue and drama to the collections. The decorative nature of face masks connects to the sense of performativity that they convey. Historically, face masks have been used in religious and theatrical productions since the time of the ancient Greeks. They are used to conceal or alter one's identity, adding to their air of mystery.
In fashion, Martin Margiela pioneered the use of face masks. The designer, who never made a public appearance during his career, highly valued his privacy. He began shielding his models from prying eyes, too, by creating custom-made jewelled masks that completely covered the models' faces. Other designers such as Alexander McQueen, Thom Browne, and Viktor and Rolf also made their designs and sense of artistry take precedent by using masks to evoke mystery and drama. They simultaneously invite the viewer to look closer, trying to uncover what's behind the mask, while also distancing the audience from the wearer.
Below, see how designers made masks a sartorial statement for the Autumn/Winter 2019 runways, and glimpse some other iconic fashion week masked moments from the past.
Gucci Fall/Winter 2019
Creative director Alessandro Michele pointed out that, "A mask is hollow but also full," following the Gucci show. It represents the façade and a sense of disguise. Throughout the collection, masks took on different forms. This one's fetishistic spikes juxtaposes the delicate floral embroidery of the dress.
Gucci Fall/Winter 2019
The men in the show also donned masks, some in a Jason Voorhees-like style and others in spiked superhero half-masks. This gold one depicting an eagle's head emulates a sense of splendour.
Marine Serre Fall/Winter 2019
At Marine Serre, face masks varied from full-on bodysuits with a balaclava attached to softer versions like this knit option.
Marine Serre Fall/Winter 2019
Face masks that evoked the air purifying style gave an apocalyptic tone to the collection.
Richard Quinn Fall/Winter 2019
Richard Quinn, known for his use of prints, has included full face coverings since his inaugural collection, making it one of his calling cards.
Richard Quinn Spring/Summer 2018
For his first collection at London Fashion Week, he included a number of masked looks, some with coordinating prints and some with a contrasting bodysuit, like this one.
Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2019
The designer took a lighter approach for one of his recent women's collections, where Friday the 13th-like masks became more playful when done in summery gingham or crafted to look like fruit.
Moschino Men's Fall/Winter 2018
A latex bodysuit and mask hybrid created a dramatic look on the Moschino runway.
Schiaparelli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2018
The bunny-eared metallic mask provided an artistic accessory to accompany the cartoon-like print of the dress.
Comme Des Garçons Homme Plus Menswear Fall/Winter 2018
A form of soft sculpture, this Comme Des Garçons mask looks prehistoric.
Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
The models wore tulle masks that highlighted their eyes, complimenting the airy dresses in the couture collection.
Viktor and Rolf Spring/Summer 2018
Here, Viktor and Rolf used a face mask to fully encompass the model in the fabricated flowers.
Viktor and Rolf Fall/Winter 2017
Viktor and Rolf took the mask to extremes for this collection, transforming the models into dolls with oversized masks.
Thom Browne Mens Fall/Winter 2017
A black veil worn with a top hat made a mysterious mask on the Thom Browne catwalk.
Givenchy Spring/Summer 2016
Givenchy used facial adornments as a form of mask, making a lace-like covering on the models' faces. Other versions in the collection utilised tulle and pearls to transform their visages.
Givenchy Spring/Summer 2014
Givenchy merges mask and makeup in this jewelled look.
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2014
Known for adding kinky elements to his collections, a face mask adds a fetishistic feel to this houndstooth suit.
Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2013
Alexander McQueen was also recognised for his elegant and theatrical use of masks in his collections.
Maison Margiela Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2013
The jewelled head covering became an icon of Maison Margiela, completely obscuring the models' faces as they walked the runway.
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