Matek Reimagines the Classic Balaclava With the Release of the "Motmot"
Placing emphasis on sustainability through the use of thoughtful sourcing.
With a storied history that dates back to 1854, the popularized balaclava has continued its longstanding reign as an eternal style staple suited for embracing the great outdoors or braving chilly temperatures in bold fashion. This season, the balaclava has been sustainably made-over by Abigail Stern, the Los Angeles-based designer behind the technical performance brand, Matek.
The brand’s first-ever balaclava dubbed the “Motmot” draws inspiration from the bird species’ heavy bill through the use of a clever design aesthetic that expressly combines a sturdy, beak-like brim with recycled yarn and striped detailing. “My goal for sourcing materials is always to find options that feel nice, perform and most importantly don’t have a serious environmental impact. The recycled poly yarn checks all those boxes,” Stern says. “Making new stuff in general isn’t great. But sourcing thoughtful materials and developing products with the intention and quality that they can and will last forever is.” In order to create the perfect fit, the balaclava was rigorously wear-tested for a year, ensuring the cozy accessory would easily fit when layered under a helmet, worn with goggles as well as over your nose or under your chin.
To bring Matek’s newest product launch to life, Stern tapped Gia Seo, a New York-based creative and founder of Department Of. to lend her expertise and prolific approach to styling as part of the brand’s latest lookbook. “The balaclava is a surprisingly versatile piece, and I wanted to allow the heritage and the history to shine on its own,” Seo says. To appeal to modern-day wearers, Seo placed emphasis on the must-have staple’s soft yet rich texture and distinctive colorways like “Golden,” “Pepper” and “Palm.” “When I originally started to build out this concept, I really thought there were only three ways to rock it. What I recognized upon further research, is there is no wrong way to wear a balaclava. I recommend layering it, wearing it on its own, making it sexy, making it sporty and everything in between,” Seo adds.
For those looking to make a sartorial statement this winter, Matek’s “Motmot” is ideal for staying warm while looking cool. Check out the lookbook above and head to Matek’s site to purchase the balaclava priced at $110 USD.
