With the fun and surprising twist it gives to looks, not to mention that element of mystery, the simple yet so effective concept of masked fashion is on the rise. We’ve seen it on the runways by giants like Balenciaga and Maison Margiela, and now it seems to be one of the latest Instagram sensations. So if you’re getting a tad bored of scrolling through those customary fashion-based accounts on your feed, a tap into the digital masked fashion world will quickly have you sitting up again. And without a doubt one of the best accounts to search for is @Checking_Invoices.
The account, which is the brainchild of two unidentified Greek roommates living in Milan, showcases an incognito model in the latest must-have pieces from your favourite fashion brands. While dressed as if strutting down a catwalk, the snaps and videos of the model show her going about her daily routine, whether it’s going to work, catching a movie or shopping, with her face always obscured. Unsurprisingly, the strange appeal of the different beautifully coloured or patterned masks teamed with top fashion choices causes a frenzy of likes and comments from their Instagram followers. The model also wears bodysuits in all kinds of bright hues and funky prints.
It all started in 2016 when one of the roommates, who is a stylist, wanted to test out the looks she had prepared for a shoot. Since she didn’t like being photographed, she covered her face with a scarf as her roomie, who works in film, stared snapping away. The women, who describe themselves as an “anonymous duo based nowhere” then started doing this at home for fun when they were bored. And once they had enough amazing pictures, the courageous pair started an Instagram page, got more people involved and began to take their after hours project more seriously.
Interestingly, while talking to “Vogue” about why she thinks masked fashion is on the rise, the stylist who acts as the model mentioned modesty and religion. “Muslim countries have been being exposed more and we are getting used to seeing covered faces more,” she said. She also told “Vogue” the need for privacy in a world where there’s so much media exposure may be another reason masked fashion is having a moment.
