Item 2020.100.62 - Nikelab X MMW Balaclava

2020.100.62

Nikelab X MMW Balaclava

Item

2 (balaclava and metal clip)

Black polyester and elastane head, face and neck covering balaclava with metal clip attachment. It has two sections over the head, the top part can be pulled down over the forehead. The section that comes up over the bottom half of the face has the Nike symbol printed in reflective material in the centre. The neck section is longer at the front and covers the chest. It has an internal pocket in the back of the neck with a loop. There is also a loop on the left outside shoulder. The metal clip has 'max 1kg' etched into it.

Label: NIKE / JUST DO IT / DRI-FIT
Care label: Nike European Operations / Netherlands B.V. / Made in Vietnam / Body: 97% Polyester 7% Elastane / Mesh: 100% Polyester

On release in 2018 this design caused controversy. The balaclava was styled with another garment from the collection, the Kiger vest (WMA.2021.17), and photographed on a black male model. The images were criticised in the United Kingdom for creating racial stereotypes and glamorising gang culture.

'Nike removes balaclava accused of "targeting gun culture"', Newsbeat, BBC, 21 August 2018.
Jake Silbert, 'Nike Pulls Balaclava from Shelves after Criticism of Brand Promoting "Gang Culture"', Hypebeast, 22 August 2018.