It started like the plot of the 2011’s cult prequel Rise of the Planet of the Apes or the latest instalment of the Resident Evil franchise, but two years on from the Covid-19 outbreak things have started to look up. With much of the developed world receiving their double jab, the frequency of PCR tests and the response times being quicker and more efficient, the global scare has a begun to wane. With it, we’re left PTSD-ed à la Rambo with our hand sanitisers and medical alcohol wipes as we furiously rub away at our weekend groceries. There is one remnant of the pandemic however, that we can welcome with open arms. After all, dog may be man’s best friend but in the middle of the viral pandemic, face masks came rather close. Sorry Fido.
The decade’s hottest accessory
Fashion and accessories are a marriage as old as time, quite literally. There is a certain sadness to the nakedness of a gent’s wrist robbed of a timepiece’s buckle. American football coach, Steve “Mooch” Mariucci, is on record for having said “I never wear a watch, because I always know it’s now – and now is when you should do it”. We appreciate the sentiment Steve, but it can’t hurt to be productive in the presence of a delectable Seiko Speedtimer chronograph strapped around one’s wrist. No? To each his own.
Dialling back to the topic at hand, face masks. At the start of the pandemic, distribution was cut thi – razor thin. If you were lucky you could snag yourself a pale blue surgical before they flew off the Amazon catalogue, granted they weren’t as secure as your N95, boasting a filtration of 0.3-μm particles, but they were better than going bare-faced in the outdoors. But with supply catching up to demand they’re everywhere, and not just the regular kind. Face masks have taken over the fashion game, from materials, to textures, to wacky designs (tasteless and otherwise) the variety is enough to give you a hernia.
That’s why we’re breaking down a list of some favorites for you to try on your next city outing.
Crystal Pink
So last month Netflix launched the first season of their celebrity cooking show “Cooking with Paris”.
It’s no MasterChef, with an array of celebs whipping up their culinary disasters for your viewing pleasure. The season’s pilot had Paris waltzing around the supermarket in her signature Barbie pink, not just the dress but wearing a hot pink face mask bedazzled in crystals. Though the show is a bit of eye-roll, the mask is a yes from me.
Silk-Satin
The best presents come wrapped. This beautiful face mask from Fendi might not, but we can assure you it comes tied with a sleek black ribbon tied at your nape. The silky smoothness of the material makes it light and breathable with a small carry pouch for storage ease. Treat yourself or a friend with this facial tapestry.
Gingham Autumn
Warm weather and gingham go together like picnic and sandwiches, thankfully living in the UAE makes it an equally autumn staple. Versatility is the gingham strength however. Bright red if you’re daring or you can keep things a little safe with a pale sky blue. You can even match it with a dress of the same pattern or a checkered shirt for the men. Simple but effective.
Ankara Flair
Speaking of bold bright colours, it doesn’t get more vibrant than Ankara. Ankara has no rules, originating from West African, the patterns and weave are a form of self-expression that are passed down from family to family through their tailoring. The bright colours of an Ankara face mask are excellent paring with a darker palette of a night out look. The patterns vary from pottery, to wavy arrowheads and peacock feathers. Their focus? Expressivity.
