FW24: Gimp Masks Get the High Fashion Treatment

Dive into the BDSM accessory’s history with designers like Schiaparelli and Balmain.

FW24: Gimp Masks Get the High Fashion Treatment

Dive into the BDSM accessory’s history with designers like Schiaparelli and Balmain.

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.

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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.