A Thanks to Masks
Masks have revolutionized our lifestyles by becoming a staple part of our everyday wear. Acting as a protective measure, masks are put in place to maintain our wellbeing and the wellbeing of those we interact with. Although the wearing of masks at this frequency was unprecedented, they have offered a new way to represent our identity through personalization. Our masks can signal who we are and how we present ourselves, as the options are endless, with various patterns, colors, jewels, graphics, and fabric material. We can incorporate these elements to make a statement about ourselves. Masks are a protective measure first and foremost, but as long as they are equipped to protect our health, a bit of personalization cannot hurt. We asked some of our FAST models how their masks have contributed to their personal style, and here’s what they had to say:
Chizaram Iwuanyanwu, second-year biology major, poses here with a galaxy inspired mask that compliments the blue holographic tone of her top, along with the muted wash of her denim jacket. The mask is simple and subtle, however Chizaram identifies the galaxy inspired mask with intricacies that mirror her identity. Chizaram’s mask embodies her style through the personification of the galaxy, as the ominous nature of the galaxy symbolizes the mystery of Chizaram behind the mask. Additionally, the beauty of the stars and planets outline her persona, adding another personal element to emulate her personality.
Tiffany Lu, second-year economics student, loves exploring and adventuring in nature, but she is managing to stay safe while doing so. Her outfit demonstrates the versatility a simple white mask can have with a variety of outfits for everyday wear. For her, simplicity is better.
Maya Peterson sports a chic monochromatic look demonstrating the ability for masks to blend in with everyday wear. She uses a hair accessory to contrast the white top she is wearing while simultaneously complimenting her mask. Maya mentions this outfit is a variation of her style, and she often plays around with her fashion sense by creating a casual look or styling an outside-of-the-box punk outfit. In these two cases, the black mask she is wearing becomes a staple piece.
In a sea of blue surgical masks, George Vetushko manages to stand out with his personality at full show. By now we have all, at a point in time, used this form of mask without pondering why we were inclined to select it. For George, his choice stems from accessibility and affordability. Working with a budget during a pandemic is an arduous task, but George manages to make the most of it with a generic mask. Through his outfit, he seeks to blur the line of androgyny, piecing together the blue clothing elements, socially associated with masculinity, and a feminine bandeau crop top. Wearing the combination of female and male aspects in an outfit is a way of discovering himself in not so ideal spaces.
Wearing a mask shouldn’t be a controversial debate or political issue; wearing a mask is about keeping ourselves safe, protecting those around us, and uniting people to work together to get through this pandemic a little faster. Wearing a mask is the right thing to do, so you may as well look at the bright sides that masks have to offer. These models have shown how immensely they can compliment and influence our style, and I can’t wait to utilize some of their inspirations.
Photos by Lillie Yazdi and Akshita Saxena
Sandra Ocampo