Fashion’s New Rules and Accessories

As the pandemic continues to evolve, we are all redefining a new normal in our daily lives. Working from home while watching your children figure out their new routines, nothing seems to be the way we used to live before. During these unprecedented times, more than any other industry, the 3 trillion dollar industry of fashion has encountered a tremendous revolution in every way. Since people are not leaving their houses to go to work, attend parties, or do any other activities as they used to, fashion sales are low. However, many are still required to leave their safe zone for various reasons, and for doing so they need face masks well guess what?! People like to be fancy and that is when face masks turned into a fashionista’s statement. 

Soon after the news about a new virus spread, a considerable number of fashion designers and brands announced their production of face masks. Earlier this month Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada announced that they would be repurposing parts of their factories to make masks and hospital gowns. Some brands have even decided to create embellished couture masks that although are not very practical but expose their brand’s values and identity. Many of these designers such as Voravaj Varazatiravatt have long started designing masks even before the outbreak. In fact, wearing face masks is a part of many Asian countries' culture. 

As industrial and organizational psychologist Lana Ivanitskaya accurately explains, there were many factors leading to embracing masks as a daily accessory in the aforementioned areas. "First, there was rapid industrialization that led to bad air quality," she explained. "Then, of course, there were recent diseases that disproportionately impacted those areas of the world. I'm thinking of SARS specifically." Nowadays, like it or not, face masks are necessary not only to protect ourselves but also to protect our loved ones and community from this disease. Therefore, if you are one of those who hate wearing a mask, welcome yourself to enjoy a bit of prestige by wearing masks not only as a tool to protect yourself, your family, and friends but as an extravagant fashion accessory that allows you to be even more stylish than before!

Resources:

https://anneofcarversville.com/style-photos/2015/12/6/a-modest-clara-mcnair-is-lensed-by-la-nielsen-in-misty-dawn-for-vogue-italia-december-2015

https://fashionmagazine.com/style/best-looks-alexander-wangs-spring-2019-ready-wear-collection/

https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/martha-streck-gets-punk-v-magazine-shoot-manolo-campion/

https://wgsn.tumblr.com/post/31399035411/a-close-up-on-the-space-age-headgear-at-falguni