COVID-19 Masks: Art, Charity, Fashion Statement

COVID-19 masks seem to have become a fashion statement as lockdowns unwind around the world. But they are also a form of charity, and of art.

Not surprisingly in fashion capital Paris, couturier masks are particularly à la mode. Where to buy the trendiest masks, advises French Vogue. “…because the mask has become one of the new essentials of everyday life.” The magazine rounds up several online boutiques from Paris to London and LA to purchase the prettiest fabric masks.

Many are already out of stock with the soaring demand it notes. But as France exits its lockdown and shops reopen, many stories in Paris also parade the masks to passersby from window displays. While the Karl Lagerfeld stores don’t flinch at using icons of the famous designer in a mask to lure people in.

Mirror Mirror On The Wall Who’s Got The Prettiest Face Mask Of Them All?

“It’s hardly surprising people are looking for more aesthetic versions than the simple white model,” Vogue says. Wearing masks is highly recommended but not compulsory in most cases in France, bar public transport, in pharmacies, and at work. Given they are going to be around for a while, notes Vogue, you may as well find a model you like. Plus they “occupy a good part of the face” … So if you’ve got, it flaunt it.

Despite doing just that, showing off the prettiest masks available from small labels and independent couturiers across the globe, it categorically concludes: “Masks are not a fashion accessory (and will likely never become one).”

Haute COVID Couture For A Good Cause

I beg to disagree. Clearly masks have become a hot new fashion accessory in many countries. Albeit often for a good cause. At up to $40 a pop, sometimes 100% of the profits are donated to emergency medical associations fighting COVID-19. Such as France’s Protège Ton Soignant (Protect Your Health Worker), or Liberty print masks for NHS ambulance service trusts.

Lagos To Istanbul: Masks Are An Expression Of Culture

It’s so interesting to see how couture masks have become an outward expression of different cultures. For some, the more bejewelled the mask the better. That’s the case for Nigerian fashion designer, Sefiya Diejomaoh. She doesn’t want a global pandemic to mask–excuse the pun–her dazzling sense of style.

Masks are compulsory in Nigeria, all of the time. When she steps outside in Lagos, Diejomaoh sports a golden mask studded with diamantes. “When you come out in a stylish mask or with an accessory such as this, it doesn’t seem as though we’re fighting a war. It seems more fun,” she told Reuters.

Turkish designer Oktay Seven, says he’s seeing lots of demand too for colorful, couturier masks, sparkling with Swarovski crystals. And is even designing bridal masks in traditional Turkish style.

In San Diego, designer masks call-up the Hispanic culture. Those featuring Frida Kahlo regularly sell out online. Other designs include French Bulldogs, polka-dots, and bright florals.

From Fashion To Art

In Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, masks are both art and fashion. During “Mask Fashion Week” in May, local artists invited residents to dress up to their heart’s content. Face fashion is all the rage. Designer Julia Janus says she wants to “encourage creativity” as well as compliance with lockdown-exit rules making masks compulsory.

Some people went to outrageous lengths to show their readiness to don a mask. Not surprising perhaps, artists were those to take the call to a creative extreme.

In Belgium, design studio WeWantMore is refashioning preloved Nikes and Adidas sneakers as face masks. “The sneaker masks offer some protection,” says creative director, Ruud Belmans, “but we primarily designed them to highlight humanity’s ability to adapt. It merely shows how reimagination and creativity can put a positive twist on even the hardest of times.”

Haute Couture Charity Minus The Fashion

Quite a stark contrast to all of this accessorizing, is the pure show of corona solidarity being shown by several luxury French fashion houses.

Chanel is among the maisons making simple white non-surgical face masks for healthcare workers. “From their homes, 300 dressmakers from the luxury fashion house are mobilizing for caregivers,” France Info news reports.

Each couturier is making about 20 masks a day. “The price of surgical masks is capped at around €1,” the report notes. Quite a different price tag than fashion masks attract.

Louis Vuitton too has repurposed several of its workshops across France to “produce hundreds of thousands of non-surgical face masks”.