This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which closed in 2021.

The Facekini Is Back With A Vengeance, Now With More Style

Bizarre Fashion Accessory Is In The Spotlight

An unusual fashion trend is in the spotlight but we have a feeling Kim Kardashian won't be wearing it anytime soon.

What is it, you ask? Basically it's just what it sounds like: a vibrant mask that covers the face, save for the eyes, nose and mouth (kind of like a balaclava for the summer).

The point of the mask is to protect the face from the sun (useful for those days when you run out of sunblock, we guess) and emerged as a trend in China in 2012. Made from nylon, it basically looks like something Beyonce would wear on her On the Run tour.

Ever the fashion-forward maven, Roitfeld used a series of brightly coloured facekinis in a photo spread in the latest issue of CR Fashion Book and posted a couple of photos of the swimwear shoot on Instagram.

The editorial features models sunbathing in couture swimsuits by Alexander Wang and Michael Kors as well as gorgeous jewelry while wearing their facekinis.

The editorial reads:

"Our latest summer story represents an opposing to ideal of beauty altogether, with masked poolside models set out to soak up as little sun as possible. While our summer beauty routines are devoted to bronzing, self-tanning, and tan-extending, in Asia, beauty-seekers are more likely to centre theirs around lightening and brightening. A tan does not signify a chic trip to Capri, but it could mean hours of hard labour spent out in the harsh sun."

According to CNN, facekinis first appeared in China seven years ago but with the recent awareness of the effects of sun damage, the trend has had a resurgence.

Tell us: would you wear a facekini?

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.