# Bullet-Resistant Scarves These Traditional Headdresses Make a Political Statement By Mishal Omar | Published 2016-07-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bulletresistant References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2016/07/06/k29-keffiyeah-001-bulletrproof-headscarf-salim-al-kadi-beirut/) & [apracticestudio](http://www.apracticestudio.com/) Beirut-based architect Salim al-Kadi has re-imagined the 'Keffiyeh' and made it much stronger. Keffiyehs are traditional Middle-Eastern headdresses that provide protection from the sun, dust and sand in the hot climate of the Middle-East. The one designed by Salim al-Kadi is made from Kevlar -- a material that is used when making bulletproof clothing items including vests. The para-aramid synthetic fiber is also used to create sportswear and musical instruments due to its durability and strength. The designer created the 'K29 Keffiyeh' as a symbol of today's "contemporary landscape," with war and politics causing strife in parts of the region. This bullet-resistant headdress design is gender-neutral and its political statement makes it both functional and artistic. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Bulletproof Keffiyehs:** Combining traditional Middle-Eastern headdresses with Kevlar opens up opportunities for wearable protection in hostile environments. - **Political Protective Fashion:** Designing fashionable accessories with protective properties can make a statement while providing a functional purpose. - **Gender-neutral Wearable Protection:** Creating protective accessories that are gender-neutral can appeal to a wider audience and add to the options available for personal safety. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Industry:** Integrating protective materials and features into fashion accessories can create new markets for durable and functional fashion. - **Security Industry:** Using bullet-resistant materials in everyday accessories can provide innovative solutions for personal safety and security in high-risk areas. - **Sporting Goods Industry:** Kevlar is used to create sportswear due to its durability and strength, indicating opportunities for integrating protective features in sports accessories. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Protective Cut-Proof Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/armortex-jacket.md) - [Lab-Grown Fibre Scarves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burberry-b-shield-scarf.md) - [Extreme Environment Hat Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vollebak-planet-earth-hat-v2.md) - [Aerodynamic Filtration Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goa-face-protector.md) - [Futuristic Headgear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moonveil-collection.md) - [Protective Earthquake Response Shields](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/testudo-shield-and-helmet.md) - [Unique Elevated Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/highdive.md) - [Advanced Armor-Like Sweaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vollebak-indestructible-hoodie.md) - [Scallop Shell-Constructed Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shellmet.md)