Alt-glamour: Exploring how masks became a fashion statement

[F]rom the supernatural to fetishistic, masks have a transformative power. Whether used to protect, decorate or entertain, the face furnishing’s main purpose is to conceal (something) from view. In the couture world, mythical masters in fashion from Martin Margiela to the late Lee Alexander McQueen covered their models faces in everything from black lace to crystals to evoke an early tribalism and futurism on the catwalk.

POWERMASK – a new book by Belgian fashion designer Walter Van Beirendonck, published by Lannoo – is a fascinating exploration of the history of the mask and their influence on artists like André Breton, Pablo Picasso and even Brueghel, as well as designers such as Martin Margiela and Thom Browne…

POWERMASK published by LANNOO, £25, available to by here.