Ever since humanity became what it is, there were always adventurous individuals who didn’t settle for what was but tried to explore what could be. Experimenting is one of the most useful results of humanity’s curious nature. Thanks to it, humanity discovered fire, the wheel, agriculture, industry, many secrets of the world. There is, in turn, a dark side to this, which often results in horrible experiments. Think of RompHim or these horrible pizza toppings, for example.
If there is one thing the ongoing pandemic will determine people to do is to experiment with new accessories once it’s over. There are already some examples of designers trying to set the new trends of the one fashion accessory that will likely become a commonplace addition to our attire: the face mask.
A necessity
The United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently changed its recommendations when it comes to the wearing of face masks to slow the spread of the virus. Initially, masks were said to be useless, perhaps even promoting infection, now the health officials’ stance on the matter is that everyone should cover their faces when in public, especially when in an enclosed space where others are also present.
A variety of face masks were available for the public before the pandemic – when it started, though, they suddenly disappeared from the shelves and online stores, with manufacturers struggling to keep up with the high demand as we speak. This shortage of medical masks has led to people finding alternatives that, while not as efficient as those purpose-built to keep viruses away, they are something.
Crafty people and small businesses around the world have started sewing reusable face masks to use in low-risk conditions.
Covering our faces – in style
Protective masks have been turned into fashionable accessories even before the emergence of the virus. Several startups designed masks to protect their wearers from dust, pollen, and PM 2.5 – suspended particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers or less – commonly present in the air of the most polluted areas in the world. These masks were a godsend for those suffering from allergies – and very useful for everyone living in a crowded city conscious about the quality of the air they breathe.
Considering that not even the specialists can tell exactly how long the coronavirus pandemic will last, covering our faces may stay with us for longer than we think. We might as well embrace it, and make the most of wearing it – like Zuzana ?aputová, president of Slovakia did, wearing masks in tone with her attire.
Fashion designers have already started making the most of the new (forced) trend. They are using various materials and designs for their creations, with different prints, and ornaments. Some of them have classic “face mask” designs, some are more likes scarves or bandanas, and there are some that are truly innovative and unique. Some of them come with special pockets to accommodate filters, others, with built-in ones.
We have no way of knowing how long these masks will be recommended – a few months, a few years even – but one thing is for sure: they won’t be plain and boring.
