FW24: Gimp Masks Get the High Fashion Treatment

Gimps masks are nowhere near new to the world of fashion. I mean, even the late Vivienne Westwood was selling them out of her iconic SEX store in London. For those unfamiliar, gimp masks are a leather or latex hood, usually with a zipper left for the mouth. They're an element of gimp suits, which cover the wearer from head to toe, and act as a sign of sexual submission. For added visuals, think Kim Kardashian at the 2021 Met Gala. On Fall/Winter 2024 runways, gimp masks extend past their kinky purpose and birth boundless creativity.

For designers like Walter Van Beirendonck, elevating gimp masks isn't a trend, but a continuing story. As seen in his FW19 Menswear collection, he often reimagines the accessory using colors that extend beyond the usual black leather. Just as we expected, Fall/Winter 2024 collections further elevated gimp masks using more textures, shapes and accessories.

Schiaparelli, known for elevating every item with gold, gave a feathered feel to the gimp suit and respective mask. Dramatic lashes were also added instead of leaving a slot for the mouth, as the BDSM community does. Elsewhere, NYC-based, AREA, bedazzled the f-ck out of its proverbial suit resulting in a glamorous, skin-baring look. Ludovic de Saint Sernin also brought our kinky dreams to life with a skin-baring suit. As for van Beirendonck's latest take on the gimp mask... it'll most likely be spotted in a horror movie or two.

Keep scrolling for our favorite gimp masks this season.

Schiaparelli

AREA

Ludovic de Saint Sernin

Walter Van Beirendonck

Han Kjobenhavn

Luar

Jane Wade

Helmut Lang

Balmain

For more on sex in fashion, #FreetheNipple dominates FW24 runways.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebae