Sure, we’re in the midst of a pandemic. BUT, that doesn’t mean, we have to stop being fashionistas. If we’re going to wear face-masks to protect ourselves, from Coronavirus, let’s at least do it in style! Wait sorry, I stand corrected. It’s coronavirus. It doesn’t even deserve to be a proper noun. During these uncertain times, fashion always comes through. Take the face-mask, for example. An item which somewhat has some fear attached to it. Then, turn it into a style accessory. Voila! Fashion has managed to inject some positivity and vibrancy, into a global pandemic.

Now, we can’t let the dreaded C word; take all the credit, for the face-mask trend. The runway had face-masks galore a long time ago. Thanks to our mother and father – Off-White and Fendi. However, not all the fashion houses are gearing towards the style concept. Prada and Gucci are dedicating their manufacturing facilities, to produce face-masks for the unsung heroes – the medical professionals! There is rather something beautiful about couture, ditching the glitz and glam, to simply offer a helping hand.

Let’s go back and slip into something, a little more streetwise. Off-White will sanitise your worries away with their release, of 8 contrasting designs of face-masks. Hey, the world is falling to pieces. But don’t worry, Virgil Abloh has got our backs! We’re here for a good time, not a long time right? So, make it fashion!

Right now; you’re probably manically looking for hand sanitiser, pasta and toilet roll. Sorry, out of stock! However, I can offer you some food for thought. The face-mask isn’t just an accessory, item or another scrap of material. In East Asia, it means something much more. It’s a cultural symbol of protection. If you are ill, it is seen as respectful to others, to wear a face-mask. Covid-19 is good for nothing… mostly! Though, could there be a silver lining within this all? Perhaps, this is a chance to be in touch with a different culture. Let’s not associate the mask with a super duper, scary virus. Instead, let Covid-19 be a chance to diminish our human ignorance. We can learn to appreciate a new, East Asian, cultural significance. Look around, so many people are wearing face-masks now in the UK. It’s not just a fashion staple anymore; it’s an expression of community solidarity. And, we’re here for it!

 

Word by Sonya Zand

 

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