OUR MODERN ARMORS
ATELIER DEBBIE CO: Chic and functional
Now that Metro Manila is under general community quarantine (GCQ) and most of us are returning to work, we must exercise caution by wearing these modern armors: facemasks, face shields, gloves, even DPE (daily protective equipment). Unlike PPE, which is designed to protect healthcare workers, hospital staff and patients from infections, DPE is made of a lighter material that’s comfortable, fashionable and safe enough for daily use. And since they’re water-repellent, they give you the basic protection you need as they prevent any penetration of infectious body fluids. Still, don’t ever lower your guard. Always observe physical distancing, keep your hands clean and wash up with soap and water once you get home. Remember, the virus did not magically disappear with the lifting of ECQ. Your immune system can still be compromised. There is no cure. There is no vaccine. Check out these DPE and PPE from local designers so you can stay fashionably safe during GCQ.
In her continuing effort to bring beauty to every day while adapting to the new normal, designer Debbie Co of Atelier Debbie Co launched a collection of chic but functional DPE. This non-medical-grade DPE is light, water-repellent and washable. You can wear it as is or layer with other garments. Debbie started selling facemasks last April 27. The response was really good, but there were so many setbacks under ECQ that the atelier was running with a skeleton force.
“Our office is in Makati and most of our employees come from Cavite and Bulacan,” Debbie said. “I don’t want to compromise their health by sending them to work. I’m now down to two house sewers.”
Debbie is part of a fashion designer group that ran a non-profit organization making PPE.
“We were able to produce 13,000 PPE for various hospitals. From there, I was able to learn about the different materials used for PPE,” she noted.
For her chic armor, Debbie used ripstop since it’s light and comfy enough for daily use.
“I’ve also used micro twill, which is more wearable than micro fiber as it is also lighter and has a sanitized cotton feel,” she added. When asked about her “bounce back” plan, Debbie hastily replied, “We’ll be launching e-commerce soon. We will also be selling facemasks and PPE there.” Since most of her events have been cancelled, Atelier Debbie Co won’t be making ball gowns for a while.“We will focus on essential items for now,” she said. * * *
Atelier Debbie Co is on the second floor of Jupiter Place Bldg., 136 Jupiter St., Bel-Air 2, Makati City. For inquiries, call 88909192, 8555-1985, 0915-487-2905. Our modern armors u C2