Could Masks Become a Permanent Lifestyle Accessory?
"It's important to mention that you shouldn't think this is going to save you — you can't start eskimo-kissing your best friends," said Los Angeles Apparel manufacturer Dov Charney of his company's fashion masks.
Vogmask started making particle protective masks in response to the environmental crisis.
Courtesy of Vogmask
Could nonmedical face masks become a new accessory category?
In many Asian countries, donning a mask before going outside is as routine as putting on a pair of shoes, widely considered a civic duty to protect others. And as the coronavirus threat continues, the West is catching up to the custom.
On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised its guidelines, advising all Americans to wear masks when they leave their homes, to prevent spreading the coronavirus unknowingly. But apparel brands have already been preparing, producing face coverings for essential workers and, eventually, consumer use.
“It’s important to mention that you shouldn’t think this is going to save you — you can’t start eskimo-kissing your best friends,” said controversial L.A. manufacturer Dov Charney, late of American Apparel, who is producing nonmedical masks at his Los Angeles Apparel factory and selling them for $30 for packs of three on his web site, in a range of colors and patterns. “But everybody should be using face barriers, call it a face diaper, and spit guard, a scarf, make one homemade using a T-shirt. I do not go out in public without one. I’m not a doctor or a scientist but these are extreme times.”
Face masks were an extreme fashion statement for some prior to the coronavirus outbreak. In January, pop star Billie Eilish donned a Gucci face mask with a full Gucci ensemble at the Grammy Awards. Future (and his daughter), Rihanna and Cardi B have also had red-carpet face mask moments. They have also been a mainstay for attendees at dusty music festivals.