The resealing works involve spraying hot bitumen and spreading new aggregate on this section of the Balaclava Road service lane resulting in a renewed wearing surface for vehicle traffic Works will be undertaken on Friday 7 February 2025 between the hours of 9.30am and 2.30pm to accommodate school traffic Traffic delays are to be expected and an alternate travel route is suggested Vehicle traffic is anticipated to flow both ways at restricted speeds during this time Road users and pedestrians are asked to obey all on site signage and direction provided by traffic controllers Access to businesses and properties will be maintained during the works and the community is asked to take care and be aware of the traffic changes in place Line marking will be re-instated over the following week with limited impacts to vehicle traffic and nearby residents Council appreciates the community's patience and cooperation during these essential maintenance works For additional information, phone Council’s Projects team on 5832 9700 or email projects@shepparton.vic.gov.au  Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed? Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button See All Events Melbourne filmmaker and author John Safran first visited Carlisle Street, Balaclava as a primary aged-student and would occasionally sit behind the work counter of his grandparent’s shoe repair store which they ran on the street until the early ’80s he’d always stop into the 7/11 for a kosher Slurpee with his friends “The Balaclava end of Carlisle Street attracts a mixture of people mostly known as a place where Melbourne bohemians tend to hang out,”  Safran says “It’s also where a large number of Orthodox Jewish people live and you won’t see them in great numbers like this anywhere else I still live around here and while the strip is slowly changing I don’t notice the incremental changes because I am here every day.”   Safran went to NYC and LA to interview Americans about Kanye West’s antisemitic outbursts of 2023 It was during this stint Safran decided to squat inside the singer’s mansion without him knowing … until now The experiment lasted a week and while no arrests were made “It was a scary thing to do,” admits Safran who will be in conversation with Four Corners journalist Mamood Fazal at The Wheeler Centre this Thursday evening.  “After some investigating, I found out Kanye hadn’t been seen at his mansion for months, and the neighbours said they hadn’t seen security around, so I thought this would make a perfect writer’s retreat,” says Safran.    When he’s not squatting in LA mansions, Safran likes to pass his time chatting to strangers while at the barber shop. Here he reminisces about his earliest memories, shops that are no longer and what still hits the spot.  The show shop Safran’s grandparents ran is now a barber. Picture: realcommercial.com.au One of Safran’s favourite cafes is The Wall. Picture: Instagram Flowers from Gan Eden is where I get last minute flowers for gifts. I am quite disorganised so I love that there’s shops like this you can walk into and get looked after. It translates to Garden of Eden in Hebrew.   There was a record shop I remember on the street. Sadly, I can’t remember the name of it. It was there before the vinyl revival happened and it wasn’t expensive to buy a record. I feel a bit melancholy when shops like this close.  The metal sculpture on the train bridge is a local landmark. Picture: realcommercial.com.au It would have to be the metal artwork on the Balaclava train station bridge. It’s still there and will definitely outlive me! It was quite grotty and vandalised at a certain point. As a result, it got taken down some time ago, but they cleaned it up and put it back up again. Another fun fact around this part of Melbourne is that a lot of the streets around Balaclava and Carlisle Street get their name from the Crimean War time period. At the time, locals heard and got overexcited that the Russians were coming to invade St Kilda Beach. It didn’t happen, but because everyone was so invested in it, when it came time to name some of the places around this strip, they chose to name it after Army Generals and other Crimean War battles of the 1854 period.   Mr Carlisle Barber’s Balaclava is where I go for a stress-free haircut on a whim.  I also get ideas for my next projects when I walk down this street, and it’s not uncommon I chat with strangers at the barber who also help me with my creative blocks. Random chats whilst waiting to get my hair cut can lead to some interesting things for me.   realcommercial.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. Melbourne filmmaker and author John Safran first visited Carlisle Street, Balaclava as a primary aged-student and would occasionally sit behind the work counter of his grandparent’s shoe repair store which they ran on the street until the early ’80s I don’t notice the incremental changes because I am here every day.”   “It was a scary thing to do,” admits Safran who will be in conversation with Four Corners journalist Mamood Fazal at The Wheeler Centre this Thursday evening.  I found out Kanye hadn’t been seen at his mansion for months and the neighbours said they hadn’t seen security around so I thought this would make a perfect writer’s retreat,” says Safran Safran likes to pass his time chatting to strangers while at the barber shop Here he reminisces about his earliest memories shops that are no longer and what still hits the spot My grandparents [Jankiel and Masha Obronczka] had a shoe repair shop under the bridge on Carlisle Street The shop displayed two names: on the awning it said American Shoe Repairs and on the storefront it said Continental Shoe Repairs It was owned by Victorian Railways and my grandparents rented it It sat directly under the Balaclava train station bridge so I suppose that explains why the Victorian Railways owned it By my father’s recollection is that the rent on the shop was significantly cheaper than other shops presumably because of its ‘bad’ location under the bridge The show shop Safran’s grandparents ran is now a barber It’s now become a barber shop and where I get my hair cut I actually still have the cash register that belonged in my grandparent’s shop at my house as a memory On occasion I would spend time with them at their work I vividly remember the smell of cut shoes and the oils they’d use to polish all the shoes They moved from Carlton to Balaclava and lived on the street and worked here – I still have people come up to me today – some are strangers – to say they’d get their shoes repaired at their shop The Wall Café used to be a kosher butcher shop; it’s a striking brick walled café that is very popular among locals You can still see the scales where they’d weigh the meats You can also see some of the ghost sign on the exterior of the building too The Wall continues to feel like a second home for me – it’s very wooden inside and there’s permanence to it – it’s the sort of place you can hide but not entirely if you have some real top-secret topics to talk about I’d likely get a booth from Glass Merchants Cafe to have a private discussion with someone One of Safran’s favourite cafes is The Wall Flowers from Gan Eden is where I get last minute flowers for gifts I am quite disorganised so I love that there’s shops like this you can walk into and get looked after There was a record shop I remember on the street It was there before the vinyl revival happened and it wasn’t expensive to buy a record I feel a bit melancholy when shops like this close The metal sculpture on the train bridge is a local landmark It would have to be the metal artwork on the Balaclava train station bridge It’s still there and will definitely outlive me It was quite grotty and vandalised at a certain point but they cleaned it up and put it back up again Another fun fact around this part of Melbourne is that a lot of the streets around Balaclava and Carlisle Street get their name from the Crimean War time period locals heard and got overexcited that the Russians were coming to invade St Kilda Beach but because everyone was so invested in it when it came time to name some of the places around this strip they chose to name it after Army Generals and other Crimean War battles of the 1854 period Mr Carlisle Barber’s Balaclava is where I go for a stress-free haircut on a whim I also get ideas for my next projects when I walk down this street and it’s not uncommon I chat with strangers at the barber who also help me with my creative blocks Random chats whilst waiting to get my hair cut can lead to some interesting things for me Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" The Carlisle Street Traders Association is set to present a vibrant festival on the weekend of November 22 to 24 this lively event promises a great atmosphere with free entry all weekend Attendees can enjoy performances from an exciting lineup of both local and well-known artists or simply to soak up the energetic street party vibe Carlisle Street and its surrounding areas will come alive with entertainment making it the perfect spot to kick back and celebrate the community Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here. A post shared by Balaclava Boogie (@balaclavaboogiefestival) SUNDAY SERVICE offers an afternoon of unforgettable free live music, featuring standout artists including Primary Scream, Kiwat Kennell, Alma Zygier, A Whale Called Phoenix, and Melbourne’s fiery female rockers Hot Machine, who come in on a roll after selling out their recent Japanese tour. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy these fantastic performers at the free carpark (Beer Garden) stage at Rear 202 Carlisle Street from 1 PM to 8 PM. A post shared by ॐ❁☮︎ Bernadette Novembre ॐ❁☮︎ (@bernadettenovembre) Balaclava Boogie is proudly brought to you by the Carlisle Street Traders Association a dynamic collective of 200 businesses dedicated to making a positive impact in the local community The festival is also supported by the City of Port Phillip Follow them on Instagram here. Remove items from your saved list to add more Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime Cost: Small: $8.50-$12.50; Mains: $12.50-$29 Behind Carlisle Street, abutting a scrappy Coles carpark, the old factory space that houses Glass Merchants cafe by day turns into Malewa City, a Congolese restaurant by night. It’s unexpected, in the way that fumbling around in the back of your wardrobe and finding a nightclub behind your coats would be unexpected. Mother and son duo Yvette Nyanguile and Jedidia Zaka have been here for a year serving central African food three nights a week, with extended hours and music in summer. It’s a true find. Congolese food is extremely varied but it tends to circle back to cassava, sweet potato, plantain, peanuts, tomato, chicken, goat and freshwater fish. The pop-up restaurant takes over Glass Merchants, a huge kid-friendly space with tables and booths.Justin McManusThe ingredients make sense when you realise the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Yvette and Jedidia are from, spans jungles, rivers and grasslands. This huge country is rich and beautiful but the region’s story is troubled, riven by violent conflict, and the family arrived in Australia as refugees in 2010. Yvette is a registered nurse but she’s also a cook of long standing: her mum was a chef back in Africa and she is passionate about introducing Australia to lesser-known flavours. We have a lot of Ethiopian and Eritrean food from east Africa (hello, injera!) and there are more and more west African places (hi, jollof rice!) but central African food is rarely seen. Smoked meats are a Congolese favourite: they’re served in parchment packages that emit fiery wafts as they’re opened. I’m a fan of the goat, which is served in bite-sized pieces tumbled with mayonnaise in a Congolese quirk that sees meat baked with mayo, adding a creamy, slip-slidey piquancy. The chicken version called poulet mayo is a street food staple. A bowl of pondu, which is made with cassava, leek and celery.Justin McManusPondu is a key vegetable dish made with cassava leaves, pounded with leek, celery, garlic and green pepper. It’s a sturdy stew and nice to scoop up with fufu, the soft starchy ball made from cassava flour that can be pinched into pieces to work as utensil and filling accompaniment. This is a huge kid-friendly space with tables and booths and the food is great to share. A communal, chatty vibe is fostered by Jedidia, who is a DJ and event organiser as well as your host and cocktail mixmaster. One day, the team hopes to shift into a permanent venue to expand their African story. The food will go up a notch then, I’m sure. At the moment, much of the cooking is done offsite and that lack of immediacy is sometimes noticeable. This is a quibble: Malewa is the kind of place that makes Melbourne worth celebrating. Farewell, fusion tacos. This sunny CBD bar may be the start of Melbourne’s Latino ageThe Mexican, Central and South American food scene here is stronger than ever. And this Little Collins Street newcomer delivers some of the best versions around. Ride the vertical version of the City Circle tram to get to this Mexi-Melbourne stalwartThis sky-high saloon in the heart of the city has been in business for 11 years, but there’s something special about where it sits right now. Choose from 20 chilli sambals at this hot and spicy eatery where most dishes are under $12Australia’s first Waroeng SS Spesial Sambal restaurant celebrates the Indonesian obsession with the condiment. news and the hottest openings served to your inbox DUP MP Sammy Wilson also described the rap trio as the ‘musical wing of Sinn Fein’.DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said Belfast band Kneecap’s “balaclava has slipped” and alleged there is “not coherency on the application of laws that should be preventing the glorification of terrorism in Northern Ireland”.Since criticising Israel at the Coachella music… You must be a member to access this content View Membership Levels The views expressed in the comments below are not those of Perspective homophobic and other types of hateful comments will not be published Tired of holiday shopping at the same old stores? We round up a few designers you may not know yet. Leather jackets are this season's best investment piece.  Stay tuned to see the best dressed celebrities and icons at the 2025 Kentucky Derby.  From sheer gowns to structured suits, Florence Pugh's fashion choices stole the spotlight during the Thunderbolts press tour. Princess Diana’s only Met Gala appearance in 1996 became an instant fashion legacy—complete with a last-minute dress alteration that shocked even John Galliano. The couple was spotted sporting very different styles on date night, proving opposites really do attract. Actor and producer Cynthia Erivo is defining her career on her own terms, celebrating each win along the way. L'OFFICIEL has the inside scoop on which A-list celebrities are set to attend the 2025 Met Gala.  The actor opens up to L’OFFICIEL about starring with Steve Carell and Tina Fey in Netflix’s adaptation of the 1981 film, as well as playing Sandra Dee opposite Jonathan Groff in Broadway’s Just in Time. Featuring new live elements and unexpected performances, this year’s edition of of Frieze New York encourages everyone to get in on the fun.  Photo: Samantha Lock/AAP PHOTOSTwo men in balaclavas allegedly equipped with guns have been charged after the pair were spotted near John Ibrahim's home in Sydney's ritzy eastern suburbs All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA neighbour alerted police about 8.20am on Thursday after noticing a man carrying a gun walking along a street in Dover Heights which is dotted with multimillion-dollar clifftop houses They reported a man wearing a balaclava approaching a driver's car carrying a pistol police observed the vehicle travelling along Old South Head Road the driver allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated The men were allegedly involved in a violent struggle after officers chased them by car to Old South Head Road at Bondi but the 24-year-old fled on foot before being arrested nearby a short time later "We know that one of the males were out on the street with a firearm and witnesses called police," Detective Inspector Adam Solah told reporters A loaded semi-automatic pistol and a revolver were found in the car used by the men to flee the scene The men have been charged with a string of offences related to possessing the illegal firearms running from police and even not wearing a seatbelt They have been refused bail and will appear at Waverley Local Court on Friday Police were alerted to a man carrying a gun on a Sydney street (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)Det Insp Solah was unable to confirm whether Mr Ibrahim or any members of his family may have been the targets of a planned attack when pressed by reporters "The reason for them being there will form part of our lines of inquiry and at this stage the reasons for them being there haven't been ascertained," he said Detectives were seen at Mr Ibrahim's home on Thursday but Det Insp Solah said officers had been speaking with everyone living in the area following the incident his family and his associates have previously been the targets of violence including the shooting of Mr Ibrahim's bodyguard in 2017 All three of his brothers have been shot in various incidents dating back to 2009 The arrested men were not from the local eastern suburbs area "It appears to be an isolated incident and we don't believe there's any further threats," he said Detectives were seen canvassing George Street to collect CCTV footage and speak to residents Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Don't miss updates on news about the Public Service. Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. The latest news, results & expert analysis. Your exclusive preview of David Pope's latest cartoon. Join our weekly poll for Canberra Times readers. We've selected the best reading for your weekend. Get the latest property and development news here. Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! insets from FacebookAn East Corrimal mum says her son has come away lucky after a group of balaclava-clad teenagers circled his brand new e-bike while he was kicking a footy with his friend Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueKelly Kreillis said her son had ridden to Elizabeth Park in Bellambi and locked his fat tyre e-bike he got for Christmas when two older teenagers arrived and started looking at it "He continued playing because they (the teenagers) only rode past But soon after he noticed they had come back with more kids - eight in total - all older than him," Ms Kreillis said "My son and his friend vacated as fast as they could and felt like they were going to get surrounded and cornered "They managed to get away with no dramas except a lot of fear afterwards If they left any later I'm guessing the outcome would have been a lot different "There seems to be a herd of kids around at the moment taking a lot of bikes and just bolt cutting them." A fat tyre e-bike chained up at Bulli Beach on January 1 Picture by Anna WarrAfter reporting it to police Ms Kreillis felt compelled to share the incident on social media due to the apparent influx of Corrimal Bellambi and Bulli residents having their locked e-bikes stolen throughout the holiday period "We're seeing on community pages ourselves almost daily someone's bike is being stolen," Ms Kreillis said "If it's not being stolen from being chained up somewhere in public it's being stolen from their garage or house It's really sad that some people's entitlement has come to this." Dozens of similar posts have flooded in detailing similar thefts including a boy's e-bike being stolen from Woonona Beach on December 30 he only got the bike five weeks ago," the post read Anthony Fikkers was visiting Wollongong from Victoria when he had two locked bikes stolen from Corrimal Caravan park on December 28 Others have reported suspected stolen e-bikes being found en masse within garages across the Wollongong Karl Goldman, who has worked at the Illawarra Cycle Centre for the last 41 years, believes thefts of e-bikes have ramped up in the last 12 months as they're the new hot item on the market. which is a hardened steel shackle that resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks Mr Goldman also advised people to get bike insurance and log stolen bikes on Bike Vault. he said when it came to thieves taking bikes: "If they want it "They probably just strip them for parts." Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 Today's top stories curated by our news team Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters Get the latest property and development news here Find out what's happening in local business tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert Your digital replica of Today's Paper Test your skills with interactive crosswords Like the sound of a power reformer strength class Upstate's annual Open House Weekend is back With 290 free classes cranking across 12 studios in Melbourne and regional Victoria this event – which takes place on Saturday March 23 – offers two days of electrifying workouts Upstate is giving you an exclusive 50% discount on their 30-Day intro offer there's a chance to win a 12-month membership – just share a photo or video during the weekend and tag @upstate_studios on Instagram Whether it's yoga or heavy-hitting boxing that takes your fancy, Upstate's no-strings, no-catches classes are an excellent way to challenge yourself, have fun and meet new people. They'll take place across all Upstate locations Ready to go? Simply download the Upstate app and reserve your free classes Saturday sessions run from 6am-4pm and Sunday session from 7am-7pm – but don't forget to check the schedule for exact times There’s a stereotype that all inner-north dwellers are into bouldering It’s not quite a thing south of the river – perhaps because the inner south doesn’t have as many rock climbing and bouldering gyms “[Climbers] told us it’s an under-serviced area and an area everyone wished had a bouldering gym close by,” co-owner Beor Ong tells Broadsheet there’s been a gap in the inner south’s climbing scene since Prahran’s Boulder Project closed in March and Ong’s brother Brett – is a stone’s throw from the station and trams along St Kilda Road travel spots and more – curated by those who know and we have every intention of [catering] more to beginner-friendly and intermediate grades but that’s not to say we won’t cater to advanced climbers as well.” There’s a slab wall for more balance-oriented routes an island in the centre of the gym with varying inclined walls a section to the side focused on more competition-style boulders and a Decoy board (a training board) that you can connect to via an app so you can customise climbs or light up routes set by people all over the world It’s at a 40-degree angle and experienced climbers can select a variety of challenges to help develop their skills Ong met the Barnetts while bouldering. Dale had plans to open a gym, while Ong had connections around the community through his Youtube channel The Barnetts asked if he wanted to invest in their gym so [I had] that experience of what I didn’t like at those other gyms and that formed the basis of the design,” Ong says One of the biggest considerations was the social aspect of bouldering Most of a climber’s session is spent off the wall – resting trying to problem-solve a route or talking to friends That’s why Up Climbing has plenty of space off the landing mats for conversing and hanging out off the wall tables and chairs available throughout the gym sparkling water on tap and a more developed cafe area that’ll serve pizza and chips First-timers at Up Climbing – whether beginners to bouldering or those with a bit of experience – can get a six-week intro trial membership The trial includes unlimited climbing and free shoe hire Gallery: Broadsheet Access Pre-Opening Event at Upstate Elsternwick “You Don’t Have To Do It Alone”: How Upstate’s Gail Asbell Built an Empire A Celeb-Approved Pilates Studio Lands Down Under Getty Images / Vittorio Zunino CelottoBalaclavas have been through a number of different phases in their lifetime. Originally designed for skiing they were quickly adopted by bank robbers and That's not to say that they're no longer used by crime or winter sports — they are — but there's never been such an abundance of fashion-forward balaclavas to keep you warm Company through to luxury pieces by the likes of Lemaire and Simone Rocha this selection proves the huge breadth of balaclavas in 2024 Rick Owens brings you a soft beige neutral with a revised Moncler-logo patch to hint at the two brands' team effort Simon Rocha brings us this silk and wool blend balaclava with an extenden Company has managed to protect the only part of the face that a balaclava traditionally doesn't get to this knit balaclava has functional goggles that can be buttoned down Johnstons of Elgin have been making knit products for two centuries so trust they know what they're doing in making this protective cashmere accessory Fittingly named after the "kitchen sink" method this piece is a fun patchwork of different wools and fibers that allows for a Balaclava that is as functional as it is eye-catching Maybe more detachable hood than full on balaclava this Lemaire version is sort of like an entry level product for anyone too shy to opt for one of the more experimental options given Having started off by creating some of the best-looking technical footwear in the game ROA's expansion into clothing has seen it create a full wardrobe for outdoor exploration This balaclava is made with their trademarked Dryarn fabric to ensure a snug There's an undeniable creepiness to this balaclava with its Leatherface-adjacent stitches pattern This hand-knitted balaclava from Sky High Farm comes with a striped design in what the brand as a pink-pig colorway The colorful headwear also has a square-shaped opening to set it apart from the rest Want to keep browsing? Download the Highsnobiety app for all the hottest products and brands from the Highsnobiety Shop. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Please be aware that our efforts to maintain accessibility and usability are ongoing. While we strive to make the Website as accessible as possible some issues can be encountered by different assistive technology as the range of assistive technology is wide and varied. If, at any time, you have specific questions or concerns about the accessibility of any particular webpage on this Website, please contact us at accessibility@highsnobiety.com, +49 (0)30 235 908 500. If you do encounter an accessibility issue, please be sure to specify the web page and nature of the issue in your email and/or phone call, and we will make all reasonable efforts to make that page or the information contained therein accessible for you. This is the shocking moment a gang of balaclava-clad teens battered a shop worker before stealing vapes and fizzy drinks. The shop assistant was working in a newsagent in Northampton when a group of around 15 burst into the store on Tuesday evening. CCTV footage shows the gang surrounding the worker who was pinned against the doors of the fridges. The brutal attack that lasted 16 minutes happened in front of a customer who was forced to watch in horror as the gang repeatedly punched and kicked the worker.  In the footage, one boy appears to be trying to convince the worker that he is 18 so he can buy a vape. While he is talking, another boy snatches a fizzy drink from the fridges and exits the shop without paying, causing the unnamed worker to chase after him. Just three minutes later at 7.57pm a bigger group then enters the shops, throwing bottles of drink at the worker before unleashing a flurry of punches at him. Then at 8.08pm a lone teenager arrives, demanding the worker hand over his phone saying 'give me the phone bro' before dragging him over the counter in a violent clash lasting two minutes. When the shop worker tries to call for help, he snatches the phone out of his hand.  It was the second attack on the shop, named at Norman's News, in just two weeks.    Shop owner Vishal Patel, 46, said there was £2,000 worth of damage following the raid as well as the stolen stock. Despite the horrific attack, the shop worker escaped major injuries and is currently recovering at home. Mr Patel said: 'He's injured, his eyes are red from the punches. Three of my workers now don't want to work the 5pm to 9pm shift. 'The gang came last week as well and took some drinks from the fridge. We tried to get it back this time. 'They didn't have any weapons they just attacked with their fists. 'The police told me if they come back again just ring us but 30 turned up yesterday but the police didn't turn up. 'It's been two days and I still haven't seen the police yet. 'I just don't feel safe here. I am feeling unsafe and my three staff don't feel safe. 'I've been doing the 7am until 9pm shift as I don't have any staff. I'm scared and had to get my friend in the shop with me in the evening. Mr Patel, who was not at the premises at the time, is calling for a greater police presence in the area during the evening. The father-of-two said: 'If these gangs of 10 to 15 kids come again, I won't be able to stop them and I'm not getting support from the police. 'I'm feeling unsafe here. I've been a shopkeeper for 15 years and it's never been like this. 'Police need to do something to stop these gangs. I've requested more police on the street from 5pm until 9pm but they never come. 'If they did, these things wouldn't happen. Yesterday, nobody came because police said the gang has gone. They say they patrol but I don't see anyone. 'These gangs, they have alcohol, I think they're being served alcohol, underage kids, so they're drinking. 'I think they're drinking alcohol and smoking weed. Their reaction and their behaviour are influenced by this.'  Julie Davenport, councillor for Delapre and Rushmere, said: 'Youths in balaclavas are becoming a trend - it's intimidating and the knives make it even more scary. 'People are scared. More needs to be done and incidents need to be taken seriously.' A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: 'This was a report of a robbery made to us at 8.15pm on April 29, at a business in Drapery. 'The caller reported a group of up to 15 young people had entered the store, assaulted a member of staff, stolen stock and damaged the store. 'Our patrol plans include the Drapery area, and we have been ensuring a police presence at times when we know issues have been taking place.' Major terror attack 'was just HOURS away' before it was foiled by the special forces and police:... 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Click here to get back to where you came from Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission Long the domain of skiers (see Olympic medalist Lindsey Vonn and Jackie O. on the slopes) wool and cashmere balaclavas have popped up more and more on the streets over the past few years — and by now it’s fair to say they’re having something of a moment And not a minute too soon: As temperatures continue to drop I’ll take all the extra face coverage I can get Balaclavas are basically a scarf and hat in one and are all the warmer for it — plus it’s one less thing to lose I consider myself somewhat of an expert when it comes to staying warm without forgoing my sense of style so I set out to find the best ones on the ever-expanding market — from bow-topped numbers from Sandy Liang to dickey-style hoods from Kule you’ll find balaclavas that add something to even the most dreary of winter puffers — so if you’re looking for something to simply stuff under your ski helmet 2025: Added balaclavas from &Daughter and & Other Stories; updated prices and checked stock for all other products go for this balaclava that’s hand-knit from wool It caught many a Strategist staffer’s eye when one editor wore it to a recent pitch meeting Organic Basics makes some of our favorite, well, basics. Its affordable balaclava holds true to the brand’s Copenhagen roots, where balaclavas have become one with street style. Here’s a balaclava without even a whiff of itchiness to it, thanks to the cozy sweatshirt-like material that it’s made from. I recommended pairing it with your favorite crewneck — bonus points if it’s a different color like its striped cousin I included at the beginning of this list has a coquettish drawstring bow at the chin In true Sandy Liang fashion, the designer’s particularly girlie balaclava includes a ribbony bow above a practical ponytail hole. At the front, you’ll find functional buttons that’ll blend right in with your cardigan of choice For a button-closure balaclava that’s a bit more streamlined It’s the most affordable 100 percent cashmere balaclava I spotted For an almost Fair Isle knit that’ll fit right in with your après-ski getup To achieve the wispy texture without the Ganni price tag I found a variety of solid-colored options for those who like a no-frills balaclava. Layer this one under your North Face puffer (or any puffer Just a very nice cable-knit option in a pleasing shade of blue. (There’s also a slightly Little Red Riding Hood–ish one for those looking for that “pop of red.”) According to stylist Lilli Millhiser & Other Stories is a reliable place to find high quality yet affordable balaclavas Here’s a neutral option with a snug fit designed to frame your face It’s made from recycled cashmere that’ll feel soft against your cheeks Finally, a more slopes-adjacent balaclava. Definitely a step up from the shellaclava I wore on a recent ski trip in Colorado By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime. Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said Belfast band Kneecap’s “balaclava has slipped” and alleged there is “not coherency on the application of laws that should be preventing the glorification of terrorism in Northern Ireland” Since criticising Israel at the Coachella music festival in the US earlier this month the rap trio have come under renewed criticism including for a resurfaced clip from 2023 where a member of the group allegedly told the crowd at a gig to “kill your local MP” They have since apologised to the families of Conservative MP Sir David Amess saying “we never intended to cause you hurt” During an urgent question on Kneecap in the House of Commons Mr Robinson referred to plaques commemorating Ian Gow which the DUP MP described as the “Irish republican antecedents to Kneecap” He said: “Whilst we have heard over the last 24 hours crocodile tears nothing can be said that will mask the naked hatred that exists within those individuals for whom their balaclava has slipped.” Mr Robinson added: “For far too long an eye has been turned against the glorification of terrorism in Northern Ireland “Confined to Northern Ireland apparently it seems to be quite acceptable and yet it keeps the wounds of our past open there is not coherency on the application of laws that should be preventing the glorification of terrorism in Northern Ireland.” Home Office minister Dan Jarvis offered to meet with the DUP leader adding: “He’s absolutely right to draw reference to all of the plaques in this chamber and we think about all of those who have lost their lives serving our country.” The Metropolitan Police are assessing the 2023 footage along with a video clip from another concert in November 2024 in which a member of the band appeared to shout “up Hamas up Hezbollah” – groups which are banned as terrorist organisations in the UK DUP MP Sammy Wilson went on to describe Kneecap as the “musical wing of Sinn Fein”. The East Antrim MP claimed the band “through their music have glorified that kind of terrorism, just as Sinn Fein on a regular basis” does. Mr Wilson continued: “To that extent, they could be called the musical wing of Sinn Fein.” Responding to the MP’s call for the police to “investigate this quickly” and for the minister to “seek to do his best to deny them any further platform”, Mr Jarvis replied that an investigation was “under way”. The minister added: “Incitement of violence is completely unacceptable, there’s never an excuse for it, and he’s absolutely right to raise the case of those former members of this House who have lost their lives serving their constituents and serving our country. “And I again give a commitment of the determination that the Government and myself have in terms of seeking to ensure that all of us in this place and all who serve in public life are able to do so in a safe and secure fashion.” In a statement posted on Instagram, the group comprising Liam Og O Hannaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh said they “reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual”. “Kneecap’s message has always been – and remains – one of love, inclusion, and hope. This is why our music resonates across generations, countries, classes and cultures and has brought hundreds of thousands of people to our gigs. No smear campaign will change that,” they added. They said they have “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah. Donning one of the best face coverings available makes it possible to stay comfy while shredding We tested the best face coverings for skiing and snowboarding to find the top options that will keep your neck and ears (and sometimes more) warm and protected so you can stay out longer and enjoy all winter has to offer and gear-tester extraordinaire Carolyne Whelan spent hours putting these face coverings through their paces on Nordic trails She also shared these face coverings with other avid skiers to gain different perspectives and a fuller picture of what makes these coverings shine Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on February 14, 2025, by adding the Turtle Fur Mount Hood Overhood, a warm and cozy option for wearing over a ski helmet The Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava ($40) is a cozy head covering that is comfortable and versatile for all-day use in most conditions We loved how easy it was to pull up the front face covering to protect the lower part of our face especially since the unique hinge design also allowed that part to scrunch down out of the way for more breathability we appreciated the option to either keep in heat and cover our ears by wearing the hood up or pulling it back out of the way it was comfortable when we pulled it back and gave no choking sensations like others we’ve tried What really shines for this balaclava is how comfortable it is to wear This incredibly soft fleece with reinforced seams feels durable without irritating edges The front is double-lined for extra warmth as you fly down the mountain but the single-layer hood means it doesn’t feel bulky or claustrophobic The neck in the front also comes down long enough to stay tucked under a jacket and provide coverage even when you don’t zip your coat to the top While the Quantum Luxe balaclava is breathable enough for all-day comfort the double-layer face covering can be challenging to breathe through if you are huffing and puffing which happens to us when we’re skate-skiing uphill the option to keep the covering around or under your chin during moments of exertion is a significant bonus so if the weather suddenly turns and it starts raining or snowing so it won’t ruin the rest of your snow time if it gets wet so keep that in mind if you have an especially large or small head One reviewer felt the hood fit a bit loosely and potentially blocked vision without frequent adjustment while another felt that by the end of a long day with the hood up The Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe fits under a helmet and its breathability means that even though you can quickly push the hood on and off it shines as the best overall face covering due to its comfort Looking for a face covering ideal for active pursuits? Look no further than the Outdoor Research Trailmix Ubertube ($26) which is quite possibly the most comfortable neck gaiter we’ve ever tried the Ubertube feels great to the touch and performs even better Its wicking and quick-drying fabric achieves the perfect balance of warmth and breathability which means you stay toasty and dry when it’s imperative We wore the Ubertube non-stop for a couple of chilly months as fall turned to winter in Jackson Hole crusty early-season backcountry ski tours in the Tetons Though the design looks simple (it’s a basic tube) It stays up over our nose and keeps warm air in when we want it to while skinning or skiing it rests just far enough away from our face that it doesn’t fog up glasses or goggles or make it tough to breathe Even while we are huffing and puffing through howling winds, ice storms, and snowy conditions, it never freezes from our breath, even when others on this list do. We imagine this is due to OR’s ActiveTemp technology a treatment applied that helps the Ubertube adjust to your changing temperature and moisture levels so you stay dryer and warmer Almost every other face covering we’ve tested has frozen to our faces at some point but not the Ubertube yet (we’ll keep trying We also love the look of this neck gaiter; its stylish and streamlined the incredibly soft fabric inside offers a tiny touch of coziness that can’t be underestimated when everything else (frozen toes and fingers 100 mph winds: we’re talking to you) around you may seem harsh and unforgiving The Ubertube is also compact and easy to throw in a pack or pocket Some things to consider when choosing the Ubertube The fit that we love for so many reasons may not work for those with bigger necks and/or heads We had one or 2 friends who tried this on and found it a bit constraining this isn’t the warmest face covering on our list If you’re going to be sitting on lifts all day in a wicked mid-winter storm A combination of breathability and warmth makes the Outdoor Research Trail Mix Ubertube ideal for uphill pursuits and stylish look also make it perfect for wintery in-town explorations like sledding Buff is the quintessential brand name for versatile neck and head coverings, and the Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear ($32) is likely the item that comes to mind when people think of Buff And for a good reason: we wore this comfortable and virtually endlessly versatile item starting when the first leaf changed color through to when public pools opened We wore it in extremely varied situations: with a tank top for a bit of coziness when we wanted autumn to hurry up and get here already with a denim jacket when the sunset temps dropped to 40 degrees and in the heart of winter with a coat and hat to make snow angels and pull it like a tube over the top of your head down past your neck so just your face is exposed Fold it over a few times to create heat-holding layers in its soft Merino wool or stretch and fluff it to allow maximum breathability The Buff Move is the Swiss army knife of apparel and a potential lifesaver if you find yourself ill-equipped for the elements can let out some important body heat if not properly fashioned The loose knit is great for temperate weather but less ideal for extreme temperatures or weather this may be the best item you purchase or leave you wanting more — at least more layers and we leave an extra one in our backpack as an emergency extra layer It has come in handy when we’ve needed to seal up the neck of a coat or jacket or create a head base layer under our hood or helmet when the temps have suddenly dipped While many ski face coverings offer warmth and shield you from direct interaction with the harshest elements wind and precipitation can cut through many materials This balaclava has Polartec Wind Pro fleece and chemical-free finishing style to create a tightly woven protection against wind and precipitation while maintaining breathability and you can’t dunk your head in an ice bath while wearing it and stay dry but it will keep you comfortable when riding through blower pow so there isn’t a massive risk of catching an edge and getting a face full of snow from your collar We especially appreciated the versatility of the hinge on this face covering It allowed for adjustability in all situations so we could expose our faces to get fresh air or a drink We also could easily pull it up high for maximum coverage The Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava is more versatile and received our pick as the best for extreme conditions because of its more technical nature and ability to adapt to various activities The North Face Whimzy Hood is another full-coverage option to consider for blustery days on the lift The “one size” is sized to fit heads with a 21.5-23.5-inch circumference but we found this balaclava fits best on skiers whose heads were closer to the larger side of that spectrum we often had to fiddle with the face covering to keep the forehead fabric from covering our eyes without exposing the hairline The Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava may be a bit overbuilt for a mild season if you’re going to be out after the sun sets (or before it rises) and the cold wind picks up or up high where you’re more exposed high-coverage balaclava is a fantastic option to stay safe and comfortable Are you tired of constantly fussing with your hood to keep it in place over your helmet while you’re out skiing or riding? Designed to fit over your helmet, the Turtle Fur Mount Hood Overhood ($60) is the answer and head protected and warm while we’re shredding Testing the Overhood from Turtle Fur by riding lifts at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain allowed us to evaluate its performance in all weather We took it on a few early morning uphill tours at Snow King Mountain and in the backcountry to see how it performed with more exertion Made of a cozy inner fleece lining — that’s like a hug for your skin — and a technical outer layer A cinch cord — which we could tighten or loosen with gloves still on — allowed us to adjust the fit on the fly so the hood stays in place no matter what the weather throws our way which adds warmth and flexibility since we can pull the inner layer up or down as needed based on weather and our output We took advantage of this feature often as the temperatures rose slightly throughout the day the Mount Hood Overhood doesn’t stick to our face or make breathing a challenge while exerting ourselves meaning less moisture accumulates on the fabric the Overhood isn’t exceptionally bulky or heavy despite its full coverage and high-level warmth It’s also easier to remove than under-the-helmet balaclavas Though we are mainly singing the praises of the Mount Hood Overhood even though its made of quality materials and thoughtfully designed is a solid investment for a sport that already comes with a hefty investment While we tested it on a few tours and Nordic adventures (without a helmet on) making it challenging to regulate our temperature or keep our sunglasses fog-free while huffing and puffing we appreciated the warmth (as opposed to the Buffs we usually wear) on a few particularly frigid backcountry descents the Overhood works without a helmet (though the fit is slightly awkward) this piece is better suited for riding lifts with your helmet on cold days If you’re not going to wear it with a helmet like the Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava or the Outdoor Research Ubertube If you’re looking for a face covering that feels exceptionally luxurious against your skin but keeps you warm and dry so you can focus on enjoying every moment even more The Buff Mountain Bandana ($35) is a stylish easy-to-wear face covering ideal for versatile climates Whether you are skinning up the backside of a mountain on a cold dawn patrol session and need protection from the cold air while you huff up the mountain are Nordic skiing your favorite national forest with your best friend and want to cover your nose for protection but still pull down your mask fast enough to say or are on a full moon snowshoe on a pass known for exceptional wind this bandana answers many needs in one simple design This style can be especially helpful if you aren’t comfortable having a stationary covering on your head or fabric over your ears or if you would rather wear a hat or the hood of your sweatshirt or coat We also loved wearing it “cowboy style” around our neck; its soft fleece provided protection against the cold and wind we also wore it pulled up over our mouth and nose and even covered most of our ears if we needed some sudden extra protection While we lose a good amount of heat from the top of our heads (though not as much as previously assumed) there are plenty of other options for head coverings out there a few of which you likely already have in your winter gear stash if you don’t usually wear a winter hat or a hood you may find the Mountain Bandana lacking the necessary coverage though the upper part is quick drying so the condensation from our breath didn’t stick around and make us colder — a smart choice for an item designed specifically around being worn over our mouth and nose What the Mountain Bandana lacks in the top parts The tired and true bandana style covers the neck and cheek area very well without bunching up more fabric would not only be uncomfortable if it were to bunch up but also it could likely cause it to get pushed out from under a coat The pointed design prevented that from happening Most so-called breathable materials are breathable enough to let sweat evaporate But this often comes with a trade-off; they can be very restrictive and we often need to pull them away from our faces during harder efforts (or at least to uncover our noses) because you can actually breathe with it on It protects and covers well enough to keep your nose intact without sacrificing your cold nose to the suffocation gods a looser-fitting fleecy hood-style balaclava that keeps you protected from the elements while offering full mobility we woke up to find Mother Nature had dumped over a foot of snow at our local ski hill This wasn’t a day for our regular Colorado bluebird face covering we felt tucked into a cozy package impervious to everything going on around us The warmth and protection allowed us to focus on playing in the pow rather than constantly needing to fidget with our hood It’s not as form-fitting as some others on this list like the Outdoor Research Trailmix Ubertube we had to check to make sure it was properly protecting our nose during conditions where frostbite was possible You can customize the fit with a cinching mechanism It was snowing a ton and blowing even more which highlighted one other huge bonus: The North Face Whimzy Hood has a DWR coating so it blocks wind and sheds snow instead of allowing it to accumulate The Whimzy is billed as “oversized,” which means it’s pretty huge if you’re not using a helmet It’s also too bulky and warm for more active uses like Nordic skiing and we found it to even be too warm for calmer days on the ski hill We used it riding lifts for a few relatively mild days at Snow King and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and though we appreciated the early morning protection we were sweating even after pulling the hood down If you’re looking for a more versatile full-coverage option that can cover more conditions and activities check out the REI’s Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava when the snow hits the fan and the wind turns up a notch you’ll be grateful for the unmatched warmth and water resistance of the North Face Whimzy Powder Hood Smartwool is known for its consistently high-quality Merino wool products, and the Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter ($32) is no exception this neck gaiter is a great option to keep stored in your pocket or ski bag as an emergency layer when the weather shifts or you realize too late that your ski jacket doesn’t offer as much neck coverage as you thought While this neck gaiter is short and simple so it works great pulled up over your face in a pinch which can be restrictive if you don’t like turtlenecks or have a larger neck circumference there is no additional fabric to cover our lower neck or chest which means it did let in cold when our jacket wasn’t cinched up properly this lack of fabric means we could get relief from the tight neck covering’s equally tight weave by unzipping our coat The Smartwool Reversible Neck Gaiter might feel tight to some wearers that just means it’s not bulky and is an easy and versatile item for a variety of weather conditions While it’s just a small neck gaiter (10.25″ long) that doesn’t include a hood you can change your look with a simple flip of the fabric Whether you’re enjoying the last bits of spring snow on the nordic trails or bombing down a double black diamond on a cold winter day this simple additional layer is a solid option to build up an outfit for any conditions This thin, high-coverage Hood Balaclava from Blackstrap ($38) is the perfect solution for people who want a layer of protection to wear under their helmet or hood and goggles The synthetic material provides wind and sun protection and doesn’t bunch up when worn under other apparel so it doesn’t cause condensation on goggles or problems with freezing or suffocation from moisture The front inside panel is made of a polyester mesh lining which helps with drying and wind protection it’s comfortable enough for all-day riding making it an ideal balaclava for lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding It also has a hinge design on the facepiece we were able to keep our gloves on and easily pull down the bottom part to fully expose our face when the sun came out or temps warmed up We also were able to take the balaclava off completely without having to remove any of our many layers such as cycling jerseys or basketball shorts this balaclava wicks moisture to keep you dry and comfortable it can also potentially hold onto odor-causing bacteria it’s important to wash this item regularly and not let it sit in your duffel lest you have a rather uncomfortable run the next time you head to the slopes This thin material was the perfect layer when we went out in temperate conditions It did a fantastic job of protecting against sudden gusts of wind but when testing it on the more frigid winter days we found ourselves wishing for an additional layer this balaclava was only warm enough when we were nordic skiing uphill fast enough to break a significant sweat the balaclava was also cold because while it did breathe great and was genuinely quick-drying it still became damp from the level of exertion it took to get warm The Blackstrap Hood Balaclava was a great option for the vast majority of conditions and especially shined when alpine skiing It protected well against sun reflecting off the snow and was generally comfortable enough to wear all day without feeling claustrophobic and all-around adventure aficionados all year long we gleefully trade in our adventure sandals for ski boots and continue having fun on the same trails we hiked and biked It may be skis and snowboards accompanying us up for the lift instead of mountain bikes we collectively spent hours in the mountains and parks around Colorado We also shared these face coverings with other avid skiers to gain different perspectives and a fuller picture of what makes these coverings shine We spent days out in the brightest sun our goggles could handle the darkest afternoons trying to beat the dark clouds that were racing us back to the trailhead and plenty of nights out with the stars and clouds swirling around the full (or full-enough) moon we swapped face coverings multiple times on the same day to see how different coverings handled the same conditions Whether pushing through uncomfortably frigid testing conditions or chasing the last patches of late-season snow as it melted from our favorite trails there were plenty of opportunities to test gear in a variety of conditions to see where different items truly shined and when they just weren’t the best design for the job winter is the longest season with the shortest days The best way to pass the time is to lean into the spirit of things and work with the seasons Whether you’re lucky enough to live in such a place or just visiting for vacation it’s important to properly protect yourself against the elements Just like the killer bunny from Monty Python but it can kill you without the proper precautions With so many options for ski face coverings out there, which one works best for you will depend on your specific needs. Use this guide to help comb through the jargon and find the best fit for your ski trip. And don’t forget that comfort and safety is a head-to-toe matter — check out our guide to the best ski socks to make sure your feet stay just as dry and cozy as your cheeks a simple but highly effective face covering that strikes the ideal balance between warmth Wool keeps you warm even when wet, so that’s an advantage when recreating in winter. Synthetic coverings like the Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava offer different benefits like cozy fleece or high breathability and breathability are critical considerations as well What works best for you will largely be dependent on the conditions you expect to face and the activities you’ll be doing most often Whichever material you choose should have enough elasticity to accommodate a wide range of head sizes and shapes A flexible fit ensures that the mask can adapt to your movements and maintain its position whether you’re glancing down at your feet or looking up at the lift line This adaptability is crucial for both comfort and maintaining visibility consider if you want a full head covering or simply a neck gaiter or face cover The most effective face covering for skiing or snowboarding should cover critical areas exposed to the elements it’s essential that the mask does not interfere with your helmet or goggles with the possibility of chin and mouth coverage as well It’s particularly suited for both alpine and nordic skiing and the hood can be peeled back to wear as a neck gaiter if it gets too hot When selecting the best face covering for skiing breathability stands out as a key factor for both comfort and functionality on the slopes the mask must also allow for comfortable breathing Look for models with venting options or breathable materials, particularly around the mouth and nose, to prevent moisture buildup inside the mask that can lead to dampness and cold. One standout option is the Buff Mountain Bandana This bandana-style covering offers a unique blend of functionality and style making it a great choice for skiers who prioritize ease of breathing without sacrificing protection from the cold There are lots of factors to consider when deciding what sort of coverage is best for you and an important place to start is what sort of weather conditions you expect Depending on where you’ll be skiing or recreating you may need full protection from high winds and extreme cold or you may benefit from more breathability and the ability to shed layers easily Look for a face covering that securely hugs your face and head It should sit comfortably without any gaps where cold air can sneak in as they can restrict breathing or cause discomfort There isn’t a ton of price variation in face coverings and all the ones we’ve reviewed fall between $26 and $40 the more technical options will cost a bit more Choose the best option based on your needs and the features you find most important You can find a solid budget face covering for $15-30. To date, the lowest-priced option we’ve reviewed is one of our favorites. The Outdoor Research Trailmix Ubertube ($26) is a simple tube design that is beyond comfortable and versatile you’ll have to look to our premium tier but offers warmth when the wind kicks up or the mercury drops You’ll still have to pay a bit more for a balaclava or hooded design or an option that will keep you protected during the most treacherous conditions offers full protection and it is our top pick for wearing over a helmet A face covering should fit loosely around the face with plenty of fabric to move up and over the ears Balaclavas should fit snug enough around your head and face that they don’t move around as you move your head or slide in front of your eyes but loose enough that they don’t constrict movement Neck gaiters should pull securely around your chin and nose if lifted but bunch comfortably around the neck when worn as a gaiter you may want something that fits snug around your neck to prevent cold air or snow from getting in or something that is more loose-fit to allow for ventilation on a warmer ski day or when exerting yourself It can also collect snow and work against you when your body is trying to stay warm Whether you desire a synthetic blend of polyester and spandex fabrics or merino wool is a personal choice keeping in mind that merino wool is great for breathability and its antimicrobial nature allows it to dry quickly and not get stinky while synthetic materials can be combined and woven in ways that can better block against wind and external moisture like snow This depends on the conditions you ski in. If, like most of us, you wan to shred on powder days, you will inevitably ski while it’s still storming at some point. On these days, you will likely want a balaclava or something with a hood, like The North Face Whimzy to keep you warm if you only ski on bluebird days or in Spring conditions Carolyne Whelan is a freelance writer and the editor-in-chief at Adventure Cyclist Whelan was the web editor and editor-in-chief at Dirt Rag and a bike mechanic for 14 sporadic years Whelan spends as much of her time in the mountains as possible Chris has an intense reverence for  Nature and a thirst for adventure She’s most at peace in the outdoors and has meandered along ridges she’s increasingly turned her attention to using words and imagery to document these adventures and to bring attention to important issues Before joining the Gear Junkie Affiliate Team as an Editor she worked as senior editor of Elevation Outdoors Magazine and as a freelance writer and photographer with works printed in publications including Climbing Magazine I was Slack-messaging my editor Allyson Payer about my suggestions for a story on divisive fashion trends when it became clear that one winter accessory hadn't quite crossed the Atlantic yet "That one is a little too niche," she said about knitted bonnets three of my friends in London told me they had just bought one and I see them every time I go for a lunchtime walk around my local East London park retro-style balaclavas to include knitted hoods Knitted bandanas are proving particularly popular as they can either be tied over the shoulders or worn over the head Pair with sunglasses and you'll feel like Audrey Hepburn in Charade—undoubtedly the chicest example of anyone wearing a balaclava Keep scrolling to shop our edit of the best balaclavas and scarves—the must-have accessory for Brits this winter Emma SpeddingFreelance Fashion EditorEmma is a freelance fashion editor with over 15 years experience in industry Emma was part of the founding team of Who What Wear UK where she worked for six years as Deputy Editor and then Editor—helping shape the team into what it is today is one of the biggest privileges of her career and she will always see herself as a Who What Wear girl Whether she's writing about runway trends or spotlighting emerging brands she aims to write about fashion in a way that is democratic and doesn't promote over consumption but the interminable cold seems to be showing no signs of letting up and neither does this winter’s biggest trend: the knitted balaclava The item most commonly comes in the form of a fluffy snood or a woollen headscarf tied under the chin I haven’t been able to step outside the house and walk 10 minutes without seeing at least three women stylishly bundled up looking like babushkas with iPhones Perhaps unsurprisingly, the balaclava is said to have originated in eastern Europe. In the 19th century, soldiers in the Crimean War used knitted head coverings to protect themselves against the bitter Ukrainian winter. The headgear was then named after the town, known for the 1854 Battle of Balaclava The garment has since become a mainstay of a variety of armed forces Jackie O and Sabrina Carpenter’s Pinterest moodboard It’s also indicative of a growing trend towards fashion that meets at the intersection of practicality and style The garment also fits in with the “craftcore” movement, an embrace of slower, handmade techniques. There are plenty of independent sellers making their own crocheted and knitted versions on Etsy and Depop. At this point in the trend’s cycle, you can find one anywhere from H&M to SSENSE but this is an item where investing in a wool or cashmere version will make a world of difference — not only for ethical reasons but because a polyester-blend head covering will no doubt give you a sweaty head when brands such as Versace and Marine Serre faced a backlash for sending white blue-eyed models down their runways in hijab-adjacent styles a hypocrisy in the west when it comes to women covering their heads This isn’t owing to the type of head covering but rather the person whose head is being covered It goes without saying that people who harbour prejudices against Muslims will react differently to a secular head covering from how they will to one worn for reasons of modesty or piety but this ultimately is a reflection of wider racial and religious anxieties that exist outside the catwalk It should be clear by now that it’s not worth looking to the fashion world for genuine representation or moral guidance.  So until spring has finally sprung, I’ll continue to wrap a puffy scarf around my head. While the cute little hoods are great for covering your neck and ears, I have a prominent Iranian nose and it needs an extra layer of protection from the cold. Perhaps next year’s big trend in winter dressing could be the nose warmer Hyphen is the leading media platform on Muslim life in the UK and Europe Sign up to our newsletter to receive our top stories straight to your inbox every week This form may not be visible due to adblockers © 2025 Hyphen® / Link Media Corporation Ltd Terrifying CCTV footage has captured the moment a balaclava-clad gunman fired several shots into a Melbourne home Victoria Police has released terrifying CCTV of the moment several gunshots were fired into a family home in Melbourne's west who donned dark clothing and concealed his face with a balaclava and a hoodie as he fired six shots into the home St Michaels Drive in Tarneit.  The shooting took place about 3am on September 3 while a family-of-five slept inside the house.  The assailant could be seen approaching a silver ute on the street before walking up the driveway and unloading his weapon into the home where the two adults and three children were sleeping No one in the home was injured during the shooting and the gunman fled the scene on foot after firing the six shots.  Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.  News | Politics Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said Belfast band Kneecap’s “balaclava has slipped” and alleged there is “not coherency on the application of laws that should be preventing the glorification of terrorism in Northern Ireland” Since criticising Israel at the Coachella music festival in the US earlier this month They have since apologised to the families of Conservative MP Sir David Amess During an urgent question on Kneecap in the House of Commons, Mr Robinson referred to plaques commemorating Ian Gow, Airey Neave, Robert Bradford and Sir Anthony Berry, all of whom were murdered by the IRA Home Office minister Dan Jarvis offered to meet with the DUP leader DUP MP Sammy Wilson went on to describe Kneecap as the “musical wing of Sinn Fein” The East Antrim MP claimed the band “through their music have glorified that kind of terrorism, just as Sinn Fein on a regular basis” does Hosting Open at Trump golf course is up to the organisers Mum of missing schoolgirl pleads for help amid urgent police search in London Wedding kiss restrictions branded ‘bizarre’ by humanist leader at inquiry Meal2Deal: on a mission to make food poverty history they could be called the musical wing of Sinn Fein.” Responding to the MP’s call for the police to “investigate this quickly” and for the minister to “seek to do his best to deny them any further platform” Mr Jarvis replied that an investigation was “under way” The minister added: “Incitement of violence is completely unacceptable and he’s absolutely right to raise the case of those former members of this House who have lost their lives serving their constituents and serving our country Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh said they “reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual” “Kneecap’s message has always been – and remains – one of love This is why our music resonates across generations classes and cultures and has brought hundreds of thousands of people to our gigs No smear campaign will change that,” they added They said they have “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah Donald Trump says non-US movies to be hit with 100% tariff in major blow to UK film industry Trump says non-US movies face 100% tariff in blow to UK film industry David Beckham’s 50th birthday bash in London 'shut down' by council over noise complaints David Beckham’s 50th birthday bash 'shut down' over noise complaints VE Day 2025 flypast and parade LIVE: King Charles Prince William and Kate watch procession as crowds line the Mall King joined by senior royals to watch as huge VE Day parade under way UK tourists face major travel shake-up as Dubai airport set to close Revealed: The real reason Brooklyn Beckham snubbed dad David’s 50th birthday amid family feud Revealed: Why Brooklyn Beckham snubbed dad David’s 50th birthday We ship to your door; any additional import charges such as duties will be taken care of by us Got a QuestionPlease reach out to our customer support South (South Korea)LatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgMalaysiaMaltaMexicoNetherlands (Holland)PolandPortugalPuerto RicoRomaniaSingaporeSlovak RepublicSloveniaSouth AfricaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandTaiwanUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesLocationWeb Accessibility StatementTitel Media GmbH (Highsnobiety) is committed to facilitating and improving the accessibility and usability of its Website Titel Media GmbH strives to ensure that its Website services and content are accessible to persons with disabilities including users of screen reader technology remediates and maintains the Website in-line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) which also bring the Website into conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Please be aware that our efforts to maintain accessibility and usability are ongoing While we strive to make the Website as accessible as possible some issues can be encountered by different assistive technology as the range of assistive technology is wide and varied you have specific questions or concerns about the accessibility of any particular webpage on this Website please contact us at accessibility@highsnobiety.com If you do encounter an accessibility issue please be sure to specify the web page and nature of the issue in your email and/or phone call and we will make all reasonable efforts to make that page or the information contained therein accessible for you SaveLog in, register or subscribe to save recipes for later.You have reached your maximum number of saved items As the youngest sibling in a big multicultural family, Moonhouse is suitably confident, charming and a little bit fun. The three-year-old from Commune Group (Hanoi Hannah, Firebird, Studio Amaro) delivers a playful twist on classic Chinese, its crew as at home - slinging chilli-coriander margaritas as they are wrapping pancakes around plump roast duck and peach hoisin. Tofu two ways regularly converts sceptics: crunchy fried cubes with ginger relish, and silken tofu whipped with Sichuan vinegar. Mirror dory fillet is brittle-skinned in chilli black bean broth, and morning glory feels the breath of the wok. Drinks are almost all Aussie, and the handsome parquet-floored former bank swings easily from weekend yum cha to after-dark feasts. Attentive staff keep the dining room, lit by a constellation of moon-shaped orbs, humming. 14.5/20ReviewDoes Melbourne's new cult chicken sandwich live up to the hype?Continue this series TulumVibrant fare in a humming, low-lit room. D.O.C St KildaThe sixth outpost of a Carlton institution, on the St Kilda foreshore. Bounty of the SunA cosy izakaya serving contemporary Japanese fare and cocktails. SaveLog in, register or subscribe to save recipes for later.You have reached your maximum number of saved items A SCHOOLGIRL is reported to have been stabbed to death by a 15-year-old student who went on a knife rampage before being tackled to the ground by teachers also stabbed three other students who were rushed to hospital The deadly attack unfolded on Thursday afternoon at the Nantes private school Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides The suspect has been named as Justin P. by French outlet Le Parisien Four people were stabbed in total with one reportedly being a female student who died from her injuries Two remain in critical condition with the fourth suffering non-life threatening stab wounds, according to BFM TV "He then went downstairs to another classroom, and attacked another three teenagers with a knife, leaving them severely wounded." Cops confirmed the teen was quickly overpowered by teachers just as police arrived to arrest him. Just hours earlier, an anonymous email is said to have gone around the school speaking of a "revolt". reportedly seen by French media outlet Le Parisien Officials are investigating whether the emails are linked to the attack the attacker reportedly shouted "shoot me in the head" before being handcuffed and taken away The killer was dressed in black and wore a bicycle helmet with a balaclava hiding his face Two knives were reportedly found next to him when he was detained ambulances and emergency crews rushed to the school to help those injured The school was evacuated as armed police flooded the area and secured off the area outside of the school as they continue on with their investigations French military personnel from the Sentinelle Operation later also arrived at the high school Neither the attacker or any of his victims have been identified Officials don't believe the attack was terror related with the teen not being on any police or intelligence radars It is still unclear if the student attended the school A shocked student at the school told Ouest-France news outlet: "We left our classroom at around 1pm and saw a lot of students crying A second added: "When we found out we were shocked We didn't think this could happen in our high school." A psychological support unit has been set up for pupils Nantes prosecutors have also said the attacker is "undergoing a psychological evaluation" as part of their ongoing criminal enquiry French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is expected to arrive at the scene later this afternoon Former French prime minister turned education minister Elisabeth Borne also announced she was heading to the school She said via X: "A knife attack took place this afternoon at a private school in Nantes "I am going there with @BrunoRetailleau to express my solidarity with the victims and my support for the educational community." It comes just months after eight people were killed and 17 others injured after a man went on a stabbing spree at a school in China Eva Thomas is the senior writer at InStyle where she's the driving force behind all things fashion Two young teenage boys were robbed by a gang who surrounded them by the Horror Hotel ride on the Palace Pier Police today released these images in connection with the robbery The two 13-year-old boys were approached and surrounded by a group of people before one was assaulted and had his possessions stolen The group were described as five boys and one girl with all boys wearing balaclavas or having their faces covered at the time of the incident It was said to have happened in a secluded area near to the Horror Hotel ride however we believe there may have been witnesses who can assist our enquiries If you saw what happened or have information that could assist the investigation or by calling 101 quoting reference 528 of 09/02 and website in this browser for the next time I comment This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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A community celebrating Black voices Beautycon is a global platform that brings together beauty enthusiasts and industry leaders to explore the latest trends and conversations shaping the future of beauty A teenager wearing a balaclava and riding across Victoria Square at Stockton Heath was arrested as part of an ongoing clampdown on anti-social off-road biking in the Warrington area You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails The disturbing picture carries the heading ‘World Book Day 2025′. The shocking image includes a masked child holding what appears to be a replica gun. The child, who is dressed in black and wearing a balaclava, is pictured in front of a Union flag mural in the loyalist Monrush area of Cookstown, Co Tyrone. In the past other images in the area included tributes to the UVF. A union flag similar to the one the child is pictured in front of is located beside a playground in the loyalist estate. This week primary schools took part in World Book Day during which children are encouraged to dress up as literary characters. The child at the centre of the controversial image appears to be holding a book which appears to have a Troubles theme. Alliance education spokeswoman Michelle Guy MLA said: “This behaviour is shocking and unacceptable, but more than that, it’s really sad to see a young child dressed like this for World Book Day. “World Book Day is an opportunity for children to celebrate their love of reading and imagination, it’s therefore so inappropriate to exploit an innocent young child to make light of terrorism which is what has happened in this case. “There is no place for this in any society, especially when we should be encouraging reconciliation and peace while teaching our children these important values. What we should not be doing is urging children to engage in such appalling behaviour that endorses division and violence.” Children’s Commissioner Chris Quinn said: “The legacy of the past can have a profound and lasting impact on children, shaping their emotional development, social relationships, and future opportunities. “We must safeguard children, and take effective measures to protect them from the ongoing effects of past conflicts and to promote a society that fosters reconciliation and understanding. “It’s important that the child is not victimised, that their best interests are put first, and they are protected and supported at this time. “I have concerns about publishing pictures of this nature. My view is that greater consideration on how children and young people are portrayed in the media and online is of paramount importance.” Facebook pageTwitter feedRSS feed@2025 The Irish News Ltd