Facial bumper stickers, a rhinestone-encrusted accessory, political stances. These are what the mandatory face masks have become. Beginning as a perceived interference, face masks have evolved into “fashion face covers,” and statement pieces ranging from political to fashionable. This, however, poses a new question: Is the fashionable choice actually protecting you?
These fashion face coverings are masks with faux snakeskin, spikes protruding out, fringe rhinestones, and feathers. These masks however are not all medical grades. Sellers have statements that they cannot make medical or health claims and thus have no liability if you were to contract the virus while wearing them.
Saks Fifth Avenue Mask photo by Vogue
Whether they work or not, it doesn’t stop masks from ranging in price. If you go to the gas station, you can find cheap masks under ten dollars. But if you want a high fashion mask, Vogue has a list online of the top 100 aesthetic ones you can purchase. One being an Off-White diagonal stripe cotton face mask from Saks Fifth Avenue for $105.
During the start of the global pandemic, there were conflicting reports about whether masks were necessary to wear out or not, but now we know they are essential in stopping the airborne spread of COVID-19 and now that they are mandatory, people are trying to have some fun wearing them.
Masks with Beliefs Photo Credit:Men’s Journal
They have become an extension of citizens’ personalities and beliefs. They showcase entertainment people watch such as TV show characters, their political beliefs, quotes they like, art they like, and all around fashion. Some fashion covers having gems and fringes.
Masks that are informational and masks that are anti-wearing masks can be seen.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put out an early release article on masks in July on their website, saying that “The general public should be educated about mask use because cloth masks may give users a false sense of protection because of their limited protection against acquiring infection.”
We’ve seen a natural influx of masks in our society as coronavirus runs its course. Now prevalent not only in real life but in commercials and advertisements; they have become a part of our daily lives and new normal.
If you’d like to join in on the trend, try to find a mask made out of materials that will block out the virus and keep you and your family safe.
Photo Credit: carmensluxurytravel.com
