Masks are the face (covers) of this pandemic. And while supplies are running out (even for those who need them the most like frontliners) as it is now mandatory to wear one in public (else you’ll be fined), some local creatives are making reusable non-medical grade but nonetheless practical and not to mention, stylish face masks.
Would you splurge on a designer mask? If yes, you might want to consider these options.
Basic Movement
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cMgFInL3_/
Five of the designers on this list are part of local brand Basic Movement’s “Mask for Mask” project, where for every purchase of each three-piece mask set, they will be donating five N95 masks to frontliners with their Marketplace Commission fees. All mask sets are priced at P1,950 and available at basicmovement.ph/shop.
[READ: Here’s how to wear the N95 mask properly]
Randolf
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cQt5FHIoR/
For the quarantine tribute who’d like to flex their fashion knowledge, these masks printed with fashion icons are for you. It’s not flimsy, either. It has an exposed overlock, a filter pocket inside and an elastic garter loop.
[READ: How important are the different disciplines of design? Carl Jan Cruz, Koji Arboleda, and Proudrace answer]
Proudrace
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cOjIgnkP4/
Up your streetwear cred with these masks made of clothing brand Proudrace’s care labels. As with the rest of the sets in the Mask for Mask project, it features three designs that come in flattering neutral colors: white, nude and black.
Viña Romero
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cq86PnbrJ/
For something more practical and secure, go for designer Viña Romero’s water-repellant masks with extra straps to ensure there are no gaps in protection. Its colors are very utilitarian, too.
Raxenne Maniquiz
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_c3xUNH16O/
For fans of artist Raxenne Maniquiz’s tropical flora oeuvre, she’s made summer-ready designs that can seamlessly transition from 8 a.m. trips to the palengke to afternoon botika runs.
Ḣamü
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cOHotJB7I/
If Comme des Garçons were to make masks that go with their avant-garde aesthetics—this would be it. The masks are quirky and sometimes scary, perfect to keep people away to ensure social distancing.
Kelvin Morales
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_MhQFIJVuU/
If you loved “Silence of the Lambs” and you’re also a scary queen, by all means, go for this embroidered mask with a moth design by designer Kelvin Morales. They also accept custom orders, if you want to stand out while social distancing.
Patis Tesoro
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jlDLmHkQR/
There may be a waitlist on this anticipated drop by Filipina designer Patis Tesoro, which will be released after the lockdown is over. It’s made from printed fabric scraps from her atelier and accentuated with her signature floral appliques.
[READ: What’s designer Patis Tesoro doing in Laguna? Gardening and refurbishing old Filipino houses]
Toqa
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_CLegppjBZ/
Perhaps one of the first designers to make masks pre-COVID, Toqa’s colorful wares are made using the same deadstock fabric they use for their other wearable designs.
[READ: Fashion is political, according to the young designers of Toqa]
Special mentions aka not for sale
Gabriel Bustos Santos
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_j516gJa1m/
Bustos’s dark romantic design sensibilities take a backseat for now, as he crafts masks from deadstock swimsuits. These were donated to vulnerable communities.
[READ: A young designer’s mission to deromanticize piña fabric]
Jodinand Aguillon
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_kcSi-A7vU/
One of the most resourceful thrift queens we know out there, Glorious Dias’s Jodinand Aguillon is using his time in quarantine to salvage and repurpose barongs he’s sourced from private collections into what is probably the chicest, weather-appropriate (albeit purely for display purposes only) mask out there.
[READ: A vintage shop in Poblacion with museum-quality Pitoy Moreno and Ramon Valera]
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Writer: CHRISTIAN SAN JOSE
ART JOEY SIMBULAN
