The current pandemic and the ever-increasing number of coronavirus infections worldwide have triggered panic buying. Face masks and hand disinfectants are sold out in most pharmacies and online retailers and have become a scarce commodity. This in turn has led to numerous fashion designers and companies producing face masks and donating them to hospitals and retirement homes. Althoughself-sewn masksIf you do not filter the air well enough and therefore cannot offer sufficient protection against viruses and bacteria, a modern face mask ensures courage and a good mood and makes the days a little more colorful. We'll show you in our article how you can sew colorful masks yourself and spice up your outfit!
Respiratory protection masks don't have to be boring and dreary. From bright colors to fun motifs – there is something to suit every taste. So it's no surprise that thisCoronavirus affects the fashion worldhas. After Italy reported the first major outbreak in Europe, numerous fashion shows were canceled and others took place without an audience. The European factories of many luxury fashion houses such as Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent have dedicated themselves to producing surgical respirators instead of clothing, eventually donating them to hospitals in France and Italy. However, apart from medical masks, social media is also popping updecorative and trendy pieceson. Although these don't protect us from the coronavirus, they are a great way to bring some light and good cheer during these difficult times.
Modern face masks – have respiratory masks become the latest fashion trend?
Respiratory protection masks were actually worn long before the coronavirus outbreak - in large cities where the air is heavily polluted, a face mask protects residents from harmful exhaust gases, dust and smoke. Modern face masks are not a new trend either - in 2015, Chinese designer Masha Ma presented respiratory masks decorated with Swarovski crystals at Paris Fashion Week. At the Grammys this year, the absolute trendsetter and singer Billie Eilish wore a glittering Gucci face mask made from a sheer chiffon. The online range of cool and fashionable face masks is constantly growing. Whether upbeat and modern prints and patterns or more fun animal motifs - the possibilities seem endless, so there is something for every taste.
Luxury designer face masks
More and more luxury designers are creating face masks, but these should only be worn as an accessory and not as protection. Psychologists warn that wearing a respiratory mask could give a false sense of security and as a result you forget other important protective measures such as washing your handsDisinfect apartment. Despite the high price for something that essentially offers no real protection, the designer pieces are extremely popular and sell out quickly.
Designer Tala Alamuddin is the sister of human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and recently launched her own collection of face masks. They retail in various leopard and denim patterns and cost approximately $120-150. Although the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross, the designer has been criticized by many for wanting to profit from the coronavirus pandemic. In her defence, Alamuddin said: “The aim of my fashion brand is to make a difference through fashion wherever we can. My company is based in Singapore and respiratory masks are part of the basic equipment in many Asian households. They are worn regularly to protect against air pollution or colds.
French fashion designer Marine Serre has also jumped on the latest trend and recently introduced the Marine Serre X Airinum Air Mask 2.0. The black jersey mask costs approximately $300 and is equipped with an air filter. The models are decorated with pearls and beautiful floral motifs in colorful shades such as purple, pink and orange.
Sew a fashionable respiratory mask with a pattern yourself
Self-sewn respiratory masks that can be used multiple times have the great advantage that they need to be washed at 60 degrees and then only ironed. Below we have a video for you in which face masks are reinterpreted as a modern face mask that gives your outfit a fresh and trendy touch. However, we must warn you that the respirators shown cannot protect you from the coronavirus. They serve primarily as a fashion accessory and are not allowed to be worn in hospitals. It's best to wear the homemade mask over your regular one - this way you stay protected and look really good!
Sew a modern face mask yourself – DIY instructions
The first mask is created from a cloth bag with a brand logo. For this you will need the following materials:
- Fabric bag with logo of your choice
- Linear
- Pin
- Scissors
- thin wire
- Stick advantage
- elastic rubber band, flat
And this is how it's done:
- First, measure the width and height of a normal respirator mask and mark it on the fabric bag with the ruler and pen.
- Cut out the fabric, fold the top edges and stitch securely with the pins. Sew a hem.
- Cut the wire, pull it through the hem and sew.
- Place approximately 1 centimeter wide folds towards the bottom edge of the fabric and stitch them down. Iron the respiratory mask.
- Sew a hem on the side edges and cut the elastic into two pieces for the headbands.
- Pull the first elastic band through the right hole and the second through the left hole and sew.
Depending on your wishes, you can give the self-sewn respiratory mask a more trendy look by decorating the edges with lace. For the third variant you will need the following:
- PDF template for printing or sewing pattern
- Fabric of your choice – old T-shirts are perfect for this. Above all, make sure that the fabrics can be washed at at least 90 degrees Celsius and ironed at a higher temperature.
- Scissors
- Feeding thread and needle
- The stick part
- elastic rubber band
Sew your own respiratory protection mask instructions:
- Using the PDF template, cut out the fabric, fold the edges and sew together.
- For the ear straps, cut off the elastic band, pull it through the holes and then sew it on.
- Decorate the finished mask with beads or similar decorative items as desired and your modern face mask is ready!
For the final respirator mask you will need an adhesive sticker of your choice and transparent fabric such as organza. There are no limits to your imagination when decorating homemade face masks. All you need is a pattern, fabric in colors and patterns of your choice and of course the most important thing – a little creativity!
- The first step is to cut out the letters on the sticker and then stick them to the fabric with superglue.
- For the remaining steps, simply follow the DIY instructions above.
Modern face mask – more ideas and inspiration
If you want to make a respiratory mask yourself, you can use anything from your household - even a shopping bag
They're an easy and fun way to freshen up your outfit
Patterned and stone-decorated masks provide good sounds in these dreary days
More and more fashion houses are creating respiratory masks with filters that not only look good but also offer sufficient protection
Face masks as a fashion statement have been seen at numerous fashion shows in the past
And why not match the respirator to your outfit?
Colorful respirators with floral patterns create a spring-like feeling
Celebrities and stars from all over the world also wear fun and modern face masks
Whether with pearls or in bright colors – there is certainly something to suit every taste
Modern face mask to complement your outfit
Match the color of the respiratory mask to your look.
