The mask; which had the reputation of a clinical product only for medical workers and patients is now being worn by people on a daily basis. It has acquired the status of a style symbol. Masks aren’t now just for medical purposes rather people are wearing masks matching with their choice of dress. Masks, sanitizers and handwashes are playing a key role in curbing the spread of Coronavirus. Children might have expected of 2020 – a boom in technology, chic fashion, flying cars and many more but to their surprise 2020 has resulted in a pandemic that has forced the world to stay indoors. We are trying to protect ourselves and people around us from the deadly novel Coronavirus.”Social distancing” has become the new buzzword. Within a short span of time, the entire country is locked and has gone a long way from going to work, college or school in the morning, to staying inside, working or studying through an online platform.
Protection gear or personal protective equipment (PPE) occupies a central role in our lives during this pandemic. Masks, gloves, sanitisers play a very vital role in curbing the spread of the deadly virus. The most important aspect is the mask, it has grabbed a lot of attention in this pandemic, everyone is wearing it when they step outside their house. It has been become the new normal and can be sighted in the market, malls or anywhere. Making masks amidst the virus outbreak could be a good source of generating income, this product is now a fashion statement, it is trending and going to stay for a longer period of time. If masks can be worn as an accessory, wearing of masks could become more engaging. The traditional blue/ green surgical masks are slowly dropping out of fashion, and are now being replaced with colourful masks with attire matching design. Now printed masks are becoming a new trend among youngsters. Many cloth dealers are now selling masks as the sale of clothes is decreasing. Sale of masks is on an all-time peak; many designer masks are featured as the current fashion trends. Masks with razor- sharp teeth, bone skeleton printed smile, floral designs as well as geometric patterns, we’re seeing it all. People are also getting their own faces printed on the mask. These days, masks are being made of silk, colourful designs usually worn by women to match their suits and sarees, many masks are embroidered to match and contrast their attire. Regional artists from various states of India, are painting beautifully on masks that go viral on social media. Remant Kumar Mishra, an artist from Bihar struggling to make ends meet because of the COVID- 19 crisis, started painting Madhubaniart on the masks. When this news went viral people rushed to buy his mask and it is now loved by the masses, nationwide. Recently at the Paris fashion week, 2020, Marine Serra, a French designer exhibited her designer masks which was very much appreciated by fashion experts.
Masks teach us a very valuable history lesson about the pandemics of the past. As an emerging trend it is very important to exercise caution while staying indoors with our sense of fashion, experimenting with different styles. It is very important to keep ourselves safe in this trend. Wearing masks create a feeling of connection to our community to keep them safe and stand in solidarity with our neighbours, family and the society at large.
Priya Singh @Samacharline