Statement pieces
Chic face masks bring fashion savvy to virus safety
As businesses and communities gradually begin to open up, doing so safely is more important than ever. And for those of us who prize fashion as a form of self-expression, everything is an opportunity to make a statement — even a face mask. The Washington Post recently called masks the little black dress of the pandemic.
And why not? They were already becoming an accessory of interest when Billie Eilish donned a Gucci face covering to the Grammys, well before the coronavirus hit the U.S. And while of course the reason to wear a mask is so much more than stylishness, it’s also safe to say that there’s no reason not to have a little fun while being safe, and that saving lives has never been so chic.
Designers from Proenza Schouler to Rag & Bone have been making and selling out of their posh masks (and meanwhile, extra huge snaps to Christian Siriano, who turned his entire design house into a mask factory for hospitals). But in addition to designer creations, there are also some very cool variations. Witness actress Sophie Turner and husband Joe Jonas cruising around L.A. in their adorable Bob Marley masks from Bravado ($15 on wegotyoucoverednow.com) — the company also ships designs featuring logos from musical giants from Queen and Aerosmith to The Weeknd. And 100% of the net proceeds go to MusiCares, which goes to help musical folks in times of need — like now.
None of that’s to say that designer takes on the piece aren’t just as welcome. The boys at Rag & Bone have conjured up a few plaid and gingham offerings ($30 on rag-bone.com), all of which are made of upcycled readyto-wear fabrics from Rag & Bone, and the sales of which support the manufacturing partners who have supported the company over the years.
Or, purchase a pack of five reusable, pleated cotton washable non-medical masks ($25 on luckybrand.com) and they donate another five masks to those in need. I love that the classic ticking stripe complements pretty much anything else you’re wearing, and that Lucky Brand is being good enough to sell the masks at cost, which basically comes out to about $5 apiece.
One of the weirdest things about wearing a mask is that they hinder us being able to express ourselves with smiles — a key function of human interaction and emotion. Companies like Vesture are on the case, with highquality face coverings ($20 on vesturegroupinc.com) with an easy, comfy fit that boast chic patterns (zebras and leopards and kitties, to name a few), but also a simple, approachable smile design.