At the spring/summer 2021 shows last autumn, designers fully embraced the accessory that has become an essential over the past year — face masks. Practicality and fashion proved to be more than capable of going hand in hand, with Rick Owens dressing every model in an assortment of statement masks, and labels such as Marine Serre creating masks from the same fabric as the clothes they were paired with. And while not all options qualify as PPE, they all help create a barrier and can be layered over a surgical-standard mask for the optimal double-masking option. Here, discover our edit of the best designer face masks from some of our favourite fashion brands.
Made from a bubblegum pink blend of linen and flax, the body of the mask is covered in a grid pattern of an embroidered JW Anderson logo and surrounded by a contrast deep pink trim. Thin black adjustable straps ensure that the statement mask will fit perfectly. For a more subtle style, there’s a black and grey version, too.
The More Joy collection from Christopher Kane has been a hit for years, embossed on the designer’s collection of t-shirts, towels, phone covers and more. Now, the simple, minimalist design is featured on a mask made from a VIRO FORMULA™ fabric that promises to provide effective protection from viruses and bacteria, including Coronavirus.
The Italian luxury brand brings a hint of the Mediterranean to their SS21 fashion face masks, with trademark bold prints. The mask has a pleated design, which allow a more comfortable fit and more air to flow through the fabric.
Using Missoni’s signature woven multicoloured style, the space-striped mask is finely knitted to create a shape that ensures it sits comfortably on the face.
French designer Marine Serre was ahead of her time when it comes to the fashion face mask, showing a crescent moon-print catsuit with a balaclava-style face covering in her 2018 autumn/winter show. Now, the designer beloved by Beyonce and Dua Lipa has released some new face masks for Spring/Summer 2021 with the signature moon-print design.
The classic Burberry check has been pulled from the archive and reimagined as a thoroughly British face mask. Not only does it look good, but it does good too — made from repurposed material, all profits from the face mask sales go to the Burberry Foundation COVID-19 Community Fund to support communities around the world that were impacted by the pandemic.
2021’s two key accessories trends are both here with Erdem’s white and blue floral motif face mask and bucket hat, the latter of which was worn in the designer’s romantic Resort 2021 lookbook. Blending together modern accessories with a vintage aesthetic, the chinoiserie design is thoroughly updated in these lightweight poplin pieces that are perfect for warmer weather.
The Spanish house puts its modern spin on designer face masks with it’s black, white and grey camouflage design. Made in Italy from cotton twill and lined with black lawn, the tough design is complemented with a soft and breathable construction, and features elasticated straps in a matching pattern.
The kaleidoscopic swirls design that have been synonymous with the Italian brand since the Fifties is reworked as a chic silk satin face mask with wide pleats and slim straps.
It’s no surprise that the cult luxe streetwear brand from Virgil Abloh is leading the fashion face mask trend, with its range including the signature crossed arrow motif or striped print. Combining a minimalist design with expert craftsmanship, it’s easy to see why this collection keeps selling out.
