Artist Peng Yangjun, one half of duo Peng & Chen — the creative directors and editors of The Outlook Magazine — documented a recent fashion craze along Eastern China’s seaside city Qingdao. Many beachgoers (mainly women) have started wearing what the public dubbed “facekinis” — protective head masks. The result is somewhere between luchadore, Spring Breakers, and Pussy Riot’s neon balaclavas. The colorful full-face masks protect the swimmers from the sun. They are often paired with long-sleeved bodysuits. It’s said that the women prefer to maintain their natural complexion, because bronzed skin has traditionally been associated with those who do physical labor in many Asian countries. Apparently the masks also help repel insects and jellyfish. The masks are surreal compared to American beach fashions, but Yangjun’s portraits show the women in proud and playful stances donning the bizarre facial accessory.
Photo credit: Peng Yangjun
Photo credit: Peng Yangjun
Photo credit: Peng Yangjun
Photo credit: Peng Yangjun
Photo credit: Peng Yangjun
Photo credit: Peng Yangjun
Photo credit: Peng Yangjun
Photo credit: Peng Yangjun
Photo credit: Peng Yangjun