Masks On
The Intersection Between Fashion, Masks, and Women in Business
In fashion, what used to be a free market of independent and international companies in the face of COVID has changed. Large corporations are asking for handouts while small businesses have upped their game to occupy a new space.
These changes vary from switching to new products and design to fill new demands (such as masks), which were in low demand before the pandemic. Other changes include focusing on sustainability by using recycled or up-cycled materials (since manufactures of raw materials and fabrics have shut down), offering stylish yet affordable or down right free protective gear, and championing philanthropic causes to help with relief.
Enough with fast fashion and profiting at the detriment of everything else, small businesses are rising up to show we’ve needed them all along. For the rest of this article I would like to focus on some very inspirational women owned businesses. All these creative woman have modified their businesses to help people in need as well as bring a valuable high demand product to the table.
If you are in need of a mask please take note of the following businesses and support them if you can!
Vintage Redeux
One of the first business I saw take action was Vintage Redeux, created and owned by Rachel Quiles. Her business focused on sustainability by selling vintage and re-worked vintage clothing before the pandemic, and she has continued the practice by making protective masks.
Every mask is made from recycled cotton fabric, layered with a non woven interlacing in between for extra protection and elasticity for the ears. Patterns and colors may vary due to its up-cycled nature.
Additionally, with the purchase of a mask, not only are you supporting a small business in this hard economic climate, but you are also providing a mask free of charge to our desperate healthcare system. The masks are on sale for the low price of 15 dollars, so get yours while you can.
Pinkbaby
The next bad ass woman-run business is Los Angeles’s Pinkbaby. Owned and created by Alysia Brunst, she’s on the move creating new and original cuts and designs showcased in her clothing. Normally, Pinkbaby is known for their signature cropped hoody sets or by their iconic cow print fabric worn by Doja Cat, Kali Uchis, and others alike. Alysia was able to innovate her trendy cow print material into a fashionable mask people will never want to take off.
If we do make it out of this dystopian coronavirus nightmare, you’ll still be seeing these worn around town as the fashion and health statement they are. Lastly, these masks have a philanthropic element to them: 50 percent of sales go to the CDC foundation. So stay cute, stay safe, and stay charitable. This 20 dollar mask will be a purchase that keeps on giving.
The End Lingerie
Our final woman-run business highlighted today will be The End Lingerie! Owned and created by BeiKuo, The End Lingerie is a fantastic, tasteful lingerie company “made with eco friendly fabrics and naughty thoughts.” I personally own one of their bras, and it is one of the most complementary pieces in my wardrobe.
Before the crisis emerged, this small business was already involved with a charitable cause, and with every purchase from their store, a tree gets planted. The End Lingerie is out here continuing to do God’s work by offering free masks to customers — all that is required is you pay for shipping. And not only are they free, they’re SUPER cute. They come in either leopard print or black, and like all of the masks above, they include a filter pocket for extra protection.
Thank you for continuing to read and connect with us here at 2nd Street. Remember to shop small and think big. And most importantly, let’s lift our female business owners up.
Written by: Kahley Hickman
