Ethical and sustainable mask fashion in SD

Ethical and sustainable mask fashion in SD 

Taylor DeGuzman / Arts & Culture Editor 

Face masks have officially taken over the fashion industry. It is now the norm to see people coordinate their masks with their outfits, or to see someone wearing a unique, trendy mask that is different from the rest.

In respect of the health and safety of others, wearing masks has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives. Masks are now an essential part of one’s daily routine, and forgetting them has become an ever-present concern. During these times, is it possible to stay fashionable amidst a pandemic? The answer is undoubtedly yes. With global fashion brands starting to sell their own styles of masks, some people are searching under their favorite big name brands for stylish masks. However, there are still many ways individuals can buy or make masks in a sustainable way that helps support small businesses and brands who are not mass producing masks.

The recent news that USD will be transitioning some courses to an in-person format the week of September 21 means that not only will students have to wear masks on campus, but also in class. Some students will start stocking up on masks in order to keep up with this new decision. With that being said, read on to gain some inspiration on how you can quickly get your hands on your next mask that strays away from bigger businesses.

Small business from a USD student 

Drew Felix, senior, and his younger brother Ryan Felix, first year, started their own business a year ago. Their small business, Bounce SD, sells authentic sneakers, streetwear, clothing, and now masks. Because wearing masks is an integral part of everyday life, Bounce decided to create their own masks to promote the importance of staying safe and healthy during these times. 
Drew Felix expressed that people should support small businesses, even for masks, now more than ever. He also talked about the efforts that Bounce has made during this pandemic.
“Small businesses are the country’s backbone and they’re run by our local friends trying to make a living,” Felix said. “As a small business, we have donated a portion of our sales to the CDC Foundation, and are making sure all of the deliveries we do are in a safe, COVID-friendly manner.” 
The Felixs’ newest drop, in celebration of their one year anniversary, will put a great emphasis on their roots by promoting diversity and representing the Filipino community. 

Home “sewn”

Kiara Dias, junior, has spent a good amount of quarantine building her mask collection and staying fashionable amidst this pandemic.

She explained that a majority of the masks she owns are made and sewn by her mother.

“During quarantine my family committed to making a few thousand masks for neighboring hospitals and nursing homes,” Dias said. “My mom ended up making a ton of masks per others’ requests and ones that I specifically wanted as well.”

Dias explained that her mom made several masks because of how inexpensive materials such as cloth, filter material, and elastic are at Joann’s. She encourages others to try making a few masks at home and making the effort to support small local businesses, rather than global fashion brands, to find good, quality masks.

“Masks are a necessity with the present pandemic and now more than ever, it’s important to help keep small businesses running in any way possible,” Dias said. “If you get a really unique, trendy mask in the process it’s all the more reason.” 

Old Town “Frida Kahlo” mask 

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In another effort to support smaller businesses that are making and selling masks, one of the small stands at Old Town is selling these embroidered Frida Kahlo masks. The older woman who manages the stand makes all of them herself. This mask alone is sure to catch someone’s eye, as it stands out from colored masks that are without any design.

Pair it with a red outfit, or even more neutral colors, and the mask is sure to stand out. Instead of buying a more expensive mask from a well-known brand, one can make a quick trip to Old Town, support a small business, and get their hands on this out of the ordinary mask. Other handmade masks are sold at these stands in Old Town as well. There are so many other small businesses or small shops in or out of San Diego that one can easily happen upon, and discover unique masks not found anywhere else.

Whether it be supporting a small business, especially from students at USD, learning to sew and make a mask at home, or unexpectedly finding masks from smaller businesses and shops, the possibilities of finding masks in an ethical, sustainable, and fashionable way are unlimited.