Face masks: A modern wardrobe staple

Nerea Zambrano looks at the evolution of the most essential accessory right now: the face mask

Now an essential piece, face masks have evolved before our very eyes. Long are the days where the common choice was between the blue surgical and N95 valve masks. Or, if feeling bold, changing the colours of these. We now see much more varied look by stepping out into the street. They have even made it into the runway. Back last January, when the pandemic was a mere worry in the distance, mask-wearers would get be greeted with eyebrow raises. Now we have been thrown into a coronavirus crash course we know better (anti-maskers aside). It wasn’t until early June that WHO deemed masks necessary for indoor environments. But they had already become a common sight when stepping outdoors. Online businesses around handmade masks and face covers were booming by the spring, with $346 million worth of these sold on Etsy. From silk and satin to cotton, classy colour block ones to the most whimsical patterns you could think of, there was something for everyone. Some were rather questionable, like Lana Del Rey’s infamous mesh mask (although apparently there was a plastic layer inside) and let’s not forget those ‘breathable’ tulle masks.

masks, and Ariana Grande’s rhinestone piece most likely set it off. Meanwhile, Je With A-List celebs showing off the most expensive-looking facial coverings, it is no wonder designer brands like Burberry and Louis Vuitton came to capitalise on it. Unfortunately, copying your favourite celebrity‘s look is not going to be as easy anymore. In true noughties fashion, currently the trending decade, the logomania 2020 Grammys, before the whole world went downhill, she wore a mask made from the ironic (‘Stay Away’, ‘Over This’ by PLT) to the contemplative, with messages like ‘Fearless Future’ and ‘Protect What You Love’, sold by The Good Appa It is no wonder people wanted to combat the anti-social nature of it all. After the successful year face masks have had, paraded around streets and fashion runways alike, it is hard to believe they will ever disappear. And if they do, they will undoubtedly come back in a couple of decades when 2020 becomes an aesthetic and we are forced to relive the tension of awaiting the next Boris announcement.

Nerea Zambrano