The New Normal – Mask Hysteria
As we are all aware, the coronavirus has changed how we live, how we eat, how we gather and will probably change our lives forever. It has touched every single industry (including fashion unsurprisingly) and of course, the economy. Now more than ever, the fashion industry has to adjust their behavior quickly in order to avoid collapse. As of the first week of April, “The federal government is now advising everyone to wear a mask, rather than limiting the advisory to people who are sick. – CNBC” So if you are wondering why your favorite brand has suddenly shifted its focus to #COVIDstyle, this is why major brands and indie boutiques alike are pivoting their production to focus on the creation of face masks (and the occasional luxury hand sanitizer). From a non-essential business to an essential business with just a few snips of fabric.
Where can I buy a mask?
Now that a mask shortage is no longer a worry, you can buy a mask anywhere from Fashion Nova to Dior. Here’s a list of retailers that are now carrying masks (a.k.a face coverings):
- Gap – Donated 50,000 masks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada
- Rag and Bone – $5 from each mask goes to support City Harvest (a foundation that exists to end hunger in communities throughout New York City).
- Eileen Fisher – For every face mask purchased, they’ll donate one.
- Fashion Nova – In April, the brand teamed up with Cardi B “to help those that have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic”. They created #FashionNovaCARES which donated $1,000 EVERY HOUR until they gave away $1,000,000.
- Michael Costello – For every mask purchased, Costello donates another to various essential workers in Los Angeles, including the LAPD, USPS workers, Children’s Hospital L.A., etc.
Alice and Olivia Face Mask - Alice + Olivia – For every mask sold, they donate a mask to hospitals and communities in need.
- Banana Republic – For every Microfiber Face Mask for a Cause purchased, they’re donating $10 to Feeding America
dbluedazzled face mask - Dbleudazzled
- Akira
- Dolls Kill
While you cannot currently purchase authentic designer face masks from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Christian Siriano, or Dior, the megabrands are putting their production power to good use during the pandemic by creating masks and other medical necessities for healthcare workers.
Can I make my own mask?
Many are feeling a surge of creativity with the onset of stay-at-home orders. If you are feeling the same, try your hand at DIY masks. You could create a no-sew mask using unused t-shirts or socks (clean of course). Or you can dust off your old sewing machine and really get handy by making a reusable mask.
All over the country, healthcare facilities are taking donations of handmade masks to combat the mask shortage. If you are feeling extremely benevolent, reach out to your local hospital or healthcare center and inquire what their mask requirements are (some require a built-in filter or protective ear tabs while others do not).
Will my designer masks actually protect me from the virus?
No, your Louis Vuitton mask or locally crafted, handmade mask will not entirely protect you from the coronavirus. The intention behind this national call to action is to decrease the chance of contagion. This handy pictorial explains it all.
While navigating the new normal may be a challenge for some, small wins such as purchasing a stylish mask or donating your time and craft to a nearby healthcare facility can really boost your mood. Dive right in one face mask at a time.
