Wearing a face mask has become part of our new norm due to this current pandemic. In fact, designers from countries across the globe are boosting their creativity by challenging the typical designs of face masks.
Have a look at these!
1. Israel
This white gold coronavirus mask holds the price of US$1.5 million, marking its status as the world’s priciest mask. As creative as a designer may be, this idea actually came about when a Chinese businessman based in the US requested the most expensive face mask, according to the Times of Israel.
Why is it so pricey?
Because it is made up of 18-karat of gold and decorated with a total of 3,600 black and white diamonds. Moreover, it is also fitted with the top-rated N99 filters, explained Isaac Levy, a designer from an Israel jewellery company. The weight of the mask is almost 100 times heavier than a typical face mask! Breathing in a normal surgical face mask is already very suffocating, can you imagine putting on such a heavy piece?
“Money doesn’t buy everything, but if it can buy a very expensive COVID-19 mask and a guy wants to wear it and walk around and get the attention, he should be happy with that,” Levy said.
2. Jordan
This face mask is topped with hundreds of crystals and it took over three hours to complete just one. Samia Alzakleh, a Jordanian fashion designer said that her attempt was to encourage people in wearing masks during this pandemic period.
While some loved her idea, there were criticisms too, as reported by Asharq Al-Awsat.
“My goal wasn’t to focus on the illness and the mask, my goal was simply an artistic one,” she explained.
3. Belgium
Scarf masks
Aude De Wolf, a stylist based in Brussels, created “scarf masks” in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. She uses cashmere, linen, and other top-quality materials to combine masks with luxurious shawls, which produces a unique design. The masks are attached to the long neck scarfs, and cost $185 each, according to Reuters.
She also has been sewing free medical masks for the hospitals.
“I was inspired by my mother because she doesn’t like her neck,” she said.
Gem masks
Another Belgian designer, Olivia Hainaut, joined the party in creating fancy face masks as reported by Gulf News. She uses flamboyant touches (for example silk flowers), sequins, and jewels in making the masks where the price range depends on the types of materials.
4. India
Gold mask
Moving on, we have this familiar gold mask. We’re pretty sure this particular picture has been making headlines across many media platforms.
Shankar Kurhade, a 49-year-old businessman from the Western city of Pune said he spent US$4,000 for this metal covering on his face. It’s only a thin piece as it weighs 60g (unlike the one by Israel). Additionally, it is reported by Straits Times that Kurhade likes to decorate himself with gold jewellery (bracelet, necklace, rings) when going out.
“It is a thin mask and has tiny pores that help me to breathe,” Shankar said.
Shankar initiated the idea when he came across a media report about a man wearing a mask made from silver.
Diamond masks
Dipak Choksi, a jeweller from the Western state of Gujarat has created masks decorated with real diamonds and demands for them are going viral.
The design first started when a customer requested to have masks that stand out from the rest for a pair of the newly-weds during a wedding, reported by SBS Hindi.
Cubic zirconia gems, real diamonds and gold are incorporated into making this luxurious mask. Additionally, Mr Choksi said that N15 is also included in the mask to protect people from the Covid-19 infection.
“With protective masks having become a part of one’s daily attire, the demand for masks matching with saris and dress materials is increasing. It is going viral and people are now requesting for slightly lower budget diamond masks, so our designers are making that variety as well,” said Mr Choksi.
Prices for these bling-bling face coverings range between US$1,990 and US$5,320 depending on the types of gems used.
5. Japan
Next, introducing to you is this piece of pearl jewellery mask.
Rieko Kawanishi, a Japanese designer takes three days to come up with one pearl face mask made with 310 real Akoya pearls of four various sizes. She has been making accessories based on pearls as she wanted to focus more on Japanese materials, according to South China Morning Post.
“Akoya Pearls are mostly used for necklaces. But when I tried to wear them near the face, my skin felt surprisingly good. And the skin looked smooth and good too. So I wanted to send a message about Akoya pearls being so free and fun to wear. I designed it with this idea and concept in mind,” she said.
Having the price of US$9,350, Rieko also said that the people can drape the masks as ‘necklaces’ when not in use.
6. Malaysia
Malaysia is not lagging behind either! Though we might not be as grand as the other countries, this batik face mask is getting its name out there!
Maureen Clarke, a batik fabric designer, was inspired to produce her self-designed masks due to the shortage of face mask supply in Malaysia during the first phase of Movement Control Order (MCO).
“I am stitching these batik face masks all by myself; and in the future, I wish to work with local tailors and refugees to stitch the masks after the MCO is over,” said Clarke, who discovered the uniqueness of batik when she came to Kuala Lumpur to seek a job in 2005.
This 42-year-old Argentinian explained her attempts at making five prototypes so people do not have breathing difficulties in wearing the face masks. Furthermore, The Malaysian Reserve reported that proceeds from these sales will be given to underprivileged children that have been affected by this pandemic.
Would you prefer a chic face mask over a normal one? Let us know in the comments section below!
Also read: Uniqlo Is Releasing AIRism Face Masks And It’ll Be Available in SG On Aug 24
