Discuss: The Y-3 Keffiyeh
The keffiyeh is a traditional Middle Eastern scarf worn by many desert cultures, including Arabs, Persians, Northern Africans, and Jews. It dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, but because it was adopted by the Palestinian Revolt in the 1930s – and used again from the 1960s onwards as a sign of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) – it’s often associated with warfare, and specifically with Hamas.
Weirdly, the scarf is also a ubiquitous fashion accessory, sold at street fair stalls and worn by many college students – some because of its political associations, and some because it has a cool pattern and folds nicely into a jacket.
In 2007, Balenciaga made their own keffiyeh, which landed on Style.com’s Must Have list, despite the protests of those who’d lost family in various Middle Eastern bombing campaigns. Then yesterday, a version appeared at Y-3′s Moroccan-themed collection, this time remade with a sportier pattern and colors that complimented their runway clothes. (See the whole collection here.)
How do you feel about the Y-3 Keffiyeh? Is it political, controversial, cool, or just another fashion accessory that looked fun on the runway? Tell us your thoughts! And if you need more information, read the surprisingly thorough rundown on the history of the keffiyeh on Wikipedia.