Designers focus on creating non-surgical masks

President Donald Trump announced at his Friday press briefing that the CDC was now recommending that all Americans wear non-medical face masks.

Just in time for the recommendation, many fashion brands are putting a pause on their regular garment production and shifting their focus to produce masks. 

From bridal companies to swimwear labels, FEMAIL rounds up the brands making stylish masks for personal use and protection. 

Los Angeles-based bridal company Katie May launched a line of stylish masks made of their top quality wedding and evening dress fabrications. 

In a time when people aren’t buying wedding gowns or evening wear, Katie launched the collection to keep her small business going. 

Unable to employ her team full time right now, workers are making the masks to earn a supplemental income.

For every mask purchased, the company is donating three utility masks to frontliners in the community.   Masks range from $25-$35. 

Katie May also launched a social campaign, #aMAYzinghuman, where they are giving away $750 worth of Katie May product each week to people on the front lines (by being nominated on social).

Not all masks offer equal protection. 

In a recent Cambridge study, researchers tested a wide range of household materials for homemade masks. 

They measured what percentage the materials could capture viruses and bacteria in comparison to common surgical medical-grade masks. 

‘Based on this research, we are confident that our masks are at minimum 65% effective in keeping out viruses and bacteria – and we don’t need any research to prove they are 100% attractive,’ said Katie.    

A few weeks ago, Skatie Swimwear converted their main factory into making PPE- masks, gowns and n95 mask covers.  

Every purchase made on the Skatie site is in turn aiding the production of PPE, supporting healthcare workers, employees and their families. 

Christian Siriano, Brandon Maxwell and Michael Costello led the COVID-19 designer response. The United States-based talents were the first to utilize their teams and resources to produce protective gear needed by heath-care workers.

The GAP Inc. (which includes Gap, Old Navy, Athleta, Banana Republic, Intermix, Hill City and Janie and Jack brands) has pivoted resources so that factory partners can make masks, gowns and scrubs for healthcare workers on the frontlines. 

Los Angeles-based clothing company Rails put a pause on their garment production and are focusing on non-surgical masks for children and adult. 

Each pack contains 5 masks made from their custom plaid fabrication.  For ever pack purchased Rails will donate a pack to essential workers and businesses in their local community.

In addition to producing medical masks for the nation, Sanctuary’s CCO & Co-Founder Deb Polanco is also designing lifestyle masks for consumers. 

The masks are available in disposable 5-pack sets for pre-order. Soon the brand will be releasing washable individuals that can be reused.    

Sanctuary is also using its resources to produce over 5 million N95 masks to support our medical community as they battle this virus on the frontlines across the nation.

Baby accessory and lifestyle brand, Bazzle Baby, has partnered with No Kid Hungry to donate 30% of proceeds to the charity and has recently begun creating medical face masks out of their signature bib fabric material.

UNIQLO’s parent company Fast Retailing has enlisted the help of its manufacturing partners in China to procure approximately 10 million protective masks.

These masks will be donated to high-priority medical facilities around the world where there is an urgent need for protective wear, namely the United States. 

Fast Retailing will donate 1.05 million masks through UNIQLO USA. These masks will be supplied to local medical facilities through the New York State Government.

Kiki Boutique is designing street style worthy masks.

From reversible to velcro options featuring designer logos, the New York-based company is taking orders on both children and adult styles. Prices range from $15-$35. 

Hickey Freeman Tailored Clothing (HFTC) reopened their factory to produce protective face masks for the medical staff at Rochester General Hospital. 

For over 120 years, Rochester, New York has been the home to the luxury menswear brand’s manufacturing facility. 

‘We have hundreds of the best sewing machine operators in the country. When Rochester General made the request, of course we answered the call. We will do whatever it takes,’ said Stephen Granovsky, CEO of HFTC. 

‘This is a small contribution compared to the health care workers we are helping protect.’