THERE'S no masking the truth – face masks are here to stay for as long as the Covid-19 pandemic is not over.
Many fashion brands have added a new category to their clothing range, jumping on the opportunity to meet the demand for face masks by making and selling their own versions to consumers.
They are stylish alternatives to the standard disposable face masks without compromising protection – a great way to strike a balance between function and style.
Reusable fabric masks are not medical-grade, but a well-made mask-- comprising three layers of fabrics, as advised by the World Health Organisation— still offer the protection you need from possibly-infectious droplets while in public places.
With most of us wearing masks on a daily basis , why not embrace this new normal and make the best out of this situation?
KHOON HOOI
Known for his elegant occasion wear, the designer's Alice Face Mask has motifs from the brand's archives. Its features ensure comfort and practicality, like built-in nose clip and adjustable stopper. Priced at 20 euros each at khoonhooi.com/collections.
JOVIAN RTW
If you don't mind the extra bling on your face mask, Jovian Mandagie's Jovian RTW Swarovski crystal series mask may be for you. It's washable and made with the finest fabric. Each purchase comes with an additional set of crystals too so you won't ever have to run out of crystals if any falls off. Priced at RM69 for earloop and RM79 for tie-on, they are available at JStores.
INNER SEJUK
This brand makes comfortable and cooling inner for hijab-wearing women. True to its philosophy, maximum comfort extends to its face masks. A special antibacterial fabric is also used to prevent bacterial growth. Available in a variety of colours for RM18 each at innersejuk.com.
BATIK BOUTIQUE
This brand offers reusable face masks for both adults and kids between 3 and 10 years old. Made from 100 per cent hand-painted cotton, the masks feature designs that match the brand's latest men's and kid's batik shirt collection. Priced at RM60 for a set of two, they are available at www.thebatikboutique.com.
RIZMAN RUZAINI
Through its recently-introduced It's a New Norm capsule edition, Rizman Ruzaini offers a Sanitise Kit which includes face mask (either one or two pieces) made from stretchable cotton lycra, a 60ml scented sanitiser and a pouch. Colours are gold, silver or black. Find out more at @rizmanruzaini on Instagram.
NALA DESIGNS
Fun and quirky patterns are found in these face masks by Nala Designs. Made of 100 per cent cotton, the masks made for adults and children are reversible and reusable. They also come with filter pockets. The masks sell out fast so check restocks at @naladesigns on Instagram or naladesigns.com.
BERNARD CHANDRAN
The renowned Malaysian designer has also jumped onto the face mask bandwagon. His masks are made from a range of fabrics like light cotton, washable woven cotton, linen and denim. Learn more about the collection at bernardchandran.com.
MELINDA LOOI x TOM ABANG SAUFI
A collaboration between two big names in fashion. Melinda Looi and Tom Abang Saufi teamed up for a series of face masks that carry a patriotic theme.
Called Unity Masks, the project pays tribute to Malaysians who adhered to safety guidelines by staying home and to frontliners who performed their duties during the pandemic. Check out the designs at www.unitymasks.my.
CELEST THOI
Pretty describes masks by bridal designer Celest Thoi. She offers a range of bespoke reusable face masks with intricate lace. One that stands out is a 2-in-1 lace mask shield, providing protection for the whole face. All can be washed by hand or sanitised using a steamer. Head to @celestthoibridal on Instagram for more.