Fashion and Beauty

FACE MASKS AND PPES, BUT MAKE IT FASHION: LOCAL DESIGNERS AND CREATIVES TAKE A DETOUR IN THE NAME OF PROTECTION

Welcome to the "New Normal," where fashion is expressed with full body suits and the latest accessory trend is a mask that covers half of our faces.

PAULINE NACAR / 8 September 2020

In light of the coronavirus, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and face masks are now a regular part of our wardrobe, and although we’re all hoping that this isn’t permanent, there’s no reason for us not to add a bit of flair when we can. Thanks to several artists and designers, style and creativity is not one more thing we have to sacrifice because of the pandemic.

In this time of an economic recession, businesses are doing their best to stay afloat by meeting the world’s needs with stylish PPE and face mask sets, with some local designers even launching their own collections to support advocacies and organizations in need of financial assistance at this time.

Garrett wears a white neoprene face mask courtesy of Mara Chua. Photography by Dix Perez. Grooming by Nadynne Esguerra.

Although, it’s worth mentioning that there’s a blurry line in business ethics between global designer brands capitalizing on a pandemic to sell their “protective products” for thousands of pesos, to independent and small businesses promoting their own designs to help out organizations, keep their businesses running, and secure an alternative source of income during lockdown. With so many people on the streets getting arrested for not wearing face masks due to its growing inaccessibility, it’s disconcerting to promote one for thousands and thousands of pesos — especially one that does virtually the same thing, but without a popular brand’s logo.

Diego wears a black neoprene face mask courtesy of Mara Chua. Photography by Dix Perez. Grooming by Nadynne Esguerra.

Here are some local designers and brands that have made major contributions to create stylish necessities, while giving back to the community at large.

 

Mark Bumgarner

Celebrity designer Mark Bumgarner is one example of responsibly handling the new normal’s fashion situation while supporting essential workers. The Armor Project is a collection of stunning protective clothing that also contributes to the team’s own initiative to produce PPE for frontliners. The collection also consists of a face mask made from repurposed fabric, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly than others.

 

Edwin Tan

Philippine Airlines (PAL) also recently did a collaboration with designer Edwin Tan for the airlines’ protective equipment, employing his medical background and artistic expertise for the project. On top of his initiative to produce PPE suits for medical frontliners, he was also tasked to create the exclusive uniform for PAL’s cabin crew. While making sure the design met medical standards and optimal protection, the garment takes on a minimalist white look, with a subtle touch of the PAL colors on its shoulders.

 

Kwento PH

Filipino fashion brand Kwento PH also launched its own collection of washable and reusable face masks, with 100% of its profit donated to partner organizations WeCare PH and Initiative 19, a non-profit emergency response platform and an independent donation drive to provide essential goods to frontliners, respectively.

 

Salay Handmade Products Industries

The Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) also worked with Misamis-based social enterprise Salay Handmade Products Industries. The partnership launched eco-friendly and sustainable abaca face masks, branded as the 7Xb Filtration Mask, that commit up to seven times better filtration than that of cloth masks. The masks are on sale online, but they’re also distributed to frontliners across Cagayan De Oro.

7xb Face Mask… 7x filtration and protection than cloth as per DOST lab test… Eco friendly/sustainable, with filter,…

Posted by SevenXb Abaca Fiber Mask on Monday, 11 May 2020

 

Miko Raval and Steeze Design Studios

Miko Raval and his team at Steeze Design Studios have also donated PPEs to frontline workers across the country with their own initiative. Through the generous contribution of donors covering the cost of P550 for each garment, and even sending over meals for the crew, Steeze has produced thousands of protective gear for our modern heroes.

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CALL FOR DONATIONS We have successfully made a prototype of the coverall PPE. We are pledging 100 pcs. to be donated to our frontliners. We know that the quantity will not be enough so we are encouraging everyone to back us up on this. Any amount of donation will be greatly appreciated so we can produce more for our frontliners. Steeze Design Studios is doing this step to help our country battle this virus and also for the continued livelihood of our staff. Each coverall PPE costs PhP500.00 (Materials, Labor and Utilities). With our current manpower, we can make up to 500 a week. Together we can all get thru this. Stay safe everyone. Thank you very much. For orders and donations, please contact us thru these numbers. 0917 872 4617 – Ralph 0917 845 2472 – Kaira

A post shared by Miko Raval (@mikoraval) on

 

Puey Quiñones

One more airline-designer collaboration is that of Puey Quiñones and AirAsia. Quiñones designed the DOH-approved customized PPEs to prioritize protection and comfort in a sporty-looking red number. On top of his AirAsia project, however, he has also made major contributions to supplying PPEs to other medical frontliners and hospitals across the Philippines.