There has been a shortage of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and the general public amid the coronavirus pandemic. The lack of resources has driven many medical professionals to their peak of frustration. During the pandemic, many Black designers have answered the call by applying their gifts to help curb the mask shortage.
1. SIX/20
Masks can be an inconvenient but life-saving piece of apparel these days. Luxe sportswear line SIX/20 is offering up fashion masks with ample personality — which makes sense as the brand’s Instagram tagline is “everywhere you want to be seen.”
From cheeky messaging to greek representation, SIX/20’s masks will have you following CDC guidelines in the savviest of ways. Masks are available directly from the brand's website.
2. Bishme Cromartie
Designer Bishme Cromartie, a Baltimore native, has created custom masks for doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Then, with the help of a generous donation from A Fall From Grace star Bresha Webb, Cromartie took it a step further by creating over 200 masks to send back to his home city. The masks are not for sale, but it’s nice to know that courageous workers in Baltimore County will not have to go without.
3. Sofistafunk the Skirt Co.
Creative directive and founder Arlinda McIntosh’s line of simple and sophisticated skirts has been serving Black bohemian chic since 1999. Inspired by the community of women who worked in North Carolina’s cotton fields when she was a girl, McIntosh's designs are the pinnacle of an effortless, transitional piece. Her masks offer the same grace, calling to mind a whimsical vintage feel that complements the spring and summer. You can purchase these unique masks directly from the brand’s page.
4. Batani-Khalfani
Los Angeles designer Batani-Khalfani realized early on the essential pivot to providing masks, she previously told Blavity. The designer's masks, which contain four layers of fabric, are available at Masked.world, and inventory is continuously being updated.
5. SONSON
Primarily a leading bow tie brand and go-to option for dapper gentlemen and fashion-forward persons, the Oakland, California-based lifestyle brand has expanded to also offering snazzy face masks. Masks are reversible, and custom orders are available on the SONSON website.
6. Kyrve Apparel
Kyrve Apparel is the brain-child of designer Keshia J. Henderson. The brand is offering a unique approach to face masks through its Kyrve Kovers by allowing customers to choose their own fabric from a selected list of 30 styles. Fabrics offered range from solid denim to bright floral prints. Wanting something a little more avant garde, yet, culturally on-brand? You may enjoy the Crown Royal-inspired mask.
7. GAWDLY
GAWDLY’s cotton, double-lined masks are breathable, fly and effective. Due to high demand, it’s noted that masks will take two to three business days to ship. That said, inventory is currently well-stocked with an impressive variety of styles including the brand’s signature “infinite” mask that gives off disco-ball teas. Grab one while they’re still available.
8. Aloha Glamour
African and Hawaiian-inspired boutique apparel line Aloha Glamour’s masks will make you feel like you’re on a well-deserved vacation. Not only do they carry cloth masks but filters and KN95 masks too! Afrocentric print masks are randomly selected, so it’s a nice surprise when they arrive.
9. Shon Simon
Designer Shon Simon’s masks are anti-bacterial, anti-odor, washable and biodegradable. Most importantly, Simon’s masks are some of the most affordable on the market, and she has an inventory that accommodates bulk orders. A woman of faith, Simon is also on a mission to help 10,000 people pay a bill. Check out her inventory here.
Many cities have begun to mandate face masks in public places, so be sure to support one of these master crafters while doing your part to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
