With temperatures rising during the summer in Mallorca and across the Mediterranean, faces on the beaches of the future may look rather different if a Chinese face protection item takes off. Tanning products, tanning salons and just plain, old-fashioned tanning might be all the rage in the West, but trends have moved in the opposite direction in China, where the pale face is seen as prettier.
So in order to help beach-goers keep their complexions light, a radical new product has taken off: the ‘face-kini’.
Women in Asia have been wearing them on the beach for 21 years to prevent the sun from even touching their skin. For them, a white, almost porcelain complexion is the most important trend.
Although it may cause concern at first glance, as anyone might think they are about to be mugged, it is the latest Chinese fashion trend that has become an essential part of swimmer in the Asian country. It is comfortable, does not make you hot and ‘you can breathe perfectly’ in it.
Although some see it as ‘a super original idea’ because ‘you don’t get stung by jellyfish’, it has other uses. The mask is made of stretchy fabric commonly used in bathing suits, and comes in different colors and patterns. They are often worn in combination with various sun protective clothing, such as body suits with long sleeves, sunglasses, visors, or umbrellas.
Origins
The facekini was invented in 2004 by Zhang Shifan, a former accountant from the coastal Chinese city of Qingdao, which became the hometown of this fashion trend. The people of Qingdao use the garment to protect against ultraviolet rays, as well as jellyfish, insects, and other irritants at the beach.
Fashion trend
The facekini garnered increased attention from Western press in 2012, when creator Zhang Shifan began developing high-fashion masks. Fashion magazine CR Fashion Book published several sets of photos in 2014 with models wearing facekinis paired with designer Alexander Wang and Michael Kors swimwear and jewelry. In 2019, its creator launched new models that cover the whole body, not just the face and neck.