Since a couple of months a new object has entered our lives overwhelmingly, and is now becoming an essential fashion accessory: the face mask.
We are all witnessing the enormous growth, on a planetary level, of a product to which in pre -corona virus times, only a very specialized space was reserved. With the the pandemic, this very sectorial object has changed into a universal basic necessity . The controversy over the mask, its usefulness, its essential characteristics, its scarcity during the peak of the epidemic, have dominated the pages of newspapers since the very beginning of the crises. In the meantime, however, little by little, mask made in fabric started making an appearance alongside the various types of medical masks. The fabric mask in its first days was very basic and functional, in black or white, generic, and with no logo, exclusively serving a purpose. But after a few weeks the situation has changed. Big names in the fashion industry have begun to reinvent this article, producing elegant masks made precious by their logo. Many independent designers have released their creativity to give shape to beautiful and original masks, and everywhere in the way special workshops were born by small entrepreneurs, producing at great rates this increasingly popular product, often sold through social channels.
Fashion face masks are bringing style, creativity and sometimes humor into an accessory that has come out from a tragic situation and now is here to stay.
There are masks for every taste and budget. Printed with the largest variety of inspirations, from street-style to gothic, from ethnic to chic. There are high-end versions made in fine Italian fabrics, and there are luxurious and glamorous ones, embellished with studs or rhinestones, some even covered in sequins.
Masks can be often seen as an unfriendly and intimidating product, as they hide all facial expressions, so the idea of having them in colourful, original and stylish designs is a great way to soften the unsettling impact of having to wear a mask.
Clearly fabric masks do not offer any guarantee as medical masks do, but they can still provide a certain sense of protection, as well as consideration towards others.
This is why retail analysts are predicting that a growing numbers of shops and brands will be selling fashion masks, numbers that are expected to further increase for obvious reasons during winter.
Sofashion 