A Winter Icon: The History of the KULE Moritz Balaclava

The balaclava is really the only hat to wear during the intense winter chill; it helps shield your face against freezing wind. KULE was one of the first to reintroduce the balaclava to the fashion masses when Nikki designed her first KULE Moritz balaclava for the Fall 2017 collection, inspired by the famous photograph of Jackie O. by Harry Benson (1968).

KULE Fall 2017 Moritz Balaclava — The original KULE Moritz Balaclava from the Fall 2017 Collection

We have that iconic original classic cream version, of course, but since then we’ve added lots of colors and patterns, including our latest ones for January, so you can match your mood or winterwear.

The Moritz – Cream

The Moritz – Rainbow

The Moritz – Royal

The Moritz – Camel/Navy

The Cashmere Moritz

The Check Moritz – Pumice/Loden

The Moritz – Navy

The Check Moritz – Heather Grey/Wine

In 2022, you can deck yourself out in check…

KULE via Bust Magazine with check — The Check Moritz, The Greene Sweater, and The Check Dress Sock via Bust Magazine

…or a go for a cheery rainbow to combat the winter slump.

KULE Rainbow Moritz balaclava — The Rainbow Moritz and The Boyfriend Heart

The KULE Moritz is designed to be worn fully over your face, or cupped under your chin. Available for adults, and now also for kids and dogs, because the little ones need that protection, too!

Top row from left to right: @buuski, @clarysarah, @sassyandspanky, @nobullyshit, Bottom row from left to right: @chelsea.the.chi, @katiesturino, @lorelaporte, @ghost.and.wren

The Dog Moritz

The Mini Mortiz – Cream

The Mini Moritz – Navy

The amount of KULE balaclava fans, as you can see all over Instagram, is incredible. The people love this hat! And there is so much inspiration on how to style: with statement sunglasses à la Linn Ecklund, with après ski gear like Blanca Miró Scrimieri and Natasha Goldenberg, on the slopes like Kelly Rutherford, with a voluminous collar like Leandra Medine Cohen, or with a statement eye like Marianne Theodorsen. The possibilities are endless and up to your own winter styling creativity.

Top row from left to right: @linneklund, @leandramcohen, @blancamiro, @kellyrutherford, @cosmopolitanjuly, Bottom row from left to right: @jkuerschner, @ngoldenberg, @linneklund, @marianne_theodorsen, @jennalyonsnyc

Nikki’s go-to for styling the Moritz is with classic wool overcoat, with a scarf wrapped around to really seal any openings up, for a clean and modern look.