Jaclyn Krizanic
August 5, 2020
COVID-19 not only shifted perspectives in the eyes of workplaces, but also in fashion. Face masks are now required not only by the Center of Disease Control (CDC), but also by the governor of Michigan. An executive order has been put into place to help the prevention of spreading the virus. It states face masks must be worn inside or outside in large gatherings. There are over eight scenarios listed that I would encourage others to look into for the executive order to enable the safety and precautions to ensure the safety and health of others in our communities. However, with face masks already being a hot topic since the beginning of the pandemic, in regards to the enforcement of them, they have turned into the next fashion trend and outfit statement piece.
The typical image which may come to mind when thinking about face masks is most likely the blue medical mask worn by doctors. Now, a face mask could be anything imaginable. Vogue recently put out an article highlighting where to buy fashionable face masks.
Then there are different images and sites that are used to refer their readers to different trendy masks that have been seen worn either by celebrities, influencers or just from submissions. The exciting part to this article is they actually showcase the site Etsy and give promotion to small businesses and those looking to help make masks and sell them for a living.
Below are images of some of my favorite styles of Vogue’s featured face masks:
Vogue is not the only major publication talking about fashionable masks. TODAY news also highlighted different shops like Urban Outfitters, American Eagle, Forever 21, Old Navy and Vera Bradley, just to name a few. Although these shops vary in terms of their fashion stance and price points, they are all now selling face masks. These stores, before the virus outbreak, never used to promote or sell face masks. However, it is not a bad thing that they have picked up on this up-and-coming trend. It not only helps prevent the spread of infection, but helps encourage the promotional use of wearing a mask when you are out and about.
Another major component in the promotion of face masks came from Kim Kardashian’s new line of face masks from her clothing brand SKIMS. Forbes highlights SKIMS and the announcement of the new line of face masks due to their growth in popularity. The mask line sold out within an hour of going up for sale online.
All of the SKIMS face masks are still sold out. However, they are located in the accessories tab on her website and there are six different colors to choose from. All of her masks are made out of similar tones and texture to her shapewear lines and are $8 per mask with two bundle options of four masks selling for $25 in the colors clay and onyx.
There have been different people who also felt inspired to give back through making their own masks and donating them to hospitals and shelters. A woman by the name Bibi Sheonarine has made hundreds of masks on her own during the quarantine lockdown in California. The Los Angeles Times featured her in a YouTube video that shows why she decided to donate all of these masks and how she made them. There are numerous individuals who, during their times in isolation, have decided to give back and try their best to also combat this new virus.
Before the coronavirus, face masks were never a trending topic. Yet, through the changes and adaptations into this new normal way of life we are all still processing, trendy face masks could be one of the main ways that this virus could subside. It won’t be the only thing, but we can all do our best to respect other people’s health, family and friends by doing our part to wear a mask and look fashionable while doing it.
Jaclyn Krizanic is a senior studying Professional Writing and minoring in Graphic Design. Jaclyn plans to apply her knowledge and skill sets she has gained from her major into her current, future and professional work. Jaclyn loves to write poetry and inspires to publish a book of poems and short stories upon her graduation.