Somewhere between disturbing practical and abysmally pessimistic, this gender-neutral, anti-ballistic headscarf draws on a long history of regional fashion traditions but with a depressingly contemporary twist: it is constructed from Kevlar.

Salim al-Kadi seems ambivalent on the question of the whether this accessory is practical or political, but he put serious effort into making it work, regardless. The K29 Keffiyeh 001 was made from para-aramid synthetic fiber, of the kind used in body armor including bulletproof vests.

The architect brought the Kevlar to a Palestinian refugee living in Lebanon and had her weave in a traditional pattern without compromising the bullet-resisting efficacy of the material. Of course, a shot to the head, cloth or no, is certain to be damaging if not deadly, regardless of whether the bullet is stopped.

Historically, keffiyeh have been worn around the Middle East as a way for men (and women) to gain protection from sun and sand. It is wrapped in different ways depending on the place, but does not stand out, a sort of hidden-in-plain-sight statement about the state of war and tension in the region.

For many of the world’s citizens (and travelers), the threat of bodily harm from war or terror attacks is a daily fact of life. Constructed of bulletproof material, this backpack is designed to reduce the risk of personal injury in unstable regions.

Dubbed Rhino Skin (part of Second-Chance Gear) and designed by Hadassah College graduate Hila Raam, the pack’s back and side straps pull forward and wrap around the wearer to form bulletproof vest.

On top, a likewise projectile-and-debris-resistant hood can be deployed when one hits the proverbial deck upon hearing an air raid siren, helping shield the wearer, if warned, from additional shrapnel injuries.

While it will not do much in some  extreme, close-proximity situations (where nothing short of full body armor would help), it does cover the head and torso, protecting vital organs and reducing damage potential from rocket, mortar or bomb strikes.

From the designer: the Rhino Skin is “a modular backpack combining kevlar used as a civilian personal protection system in
countries or areas that are under daily attacks, protecting against debris and impact created from missile and rocket attacks.This unique bag pack protects the essential life or death body areas … the head, neck, back and the sides of the body. Most important the brain, heart, liver and kidneys are fully protected.”