Designers from all across the world have unexpectedly become ‘fashion heroes of the decade. In opting to offer stylish face armor, Diaspora Designers are operating at the intersection of fashion and humanitarianism in the global fight against COVID-19. Since the industry shifted gears from crafting collections to virus vigilantes, creativity and innovation are front-and-center, from unique manufacturing practices to the designs themselves. Furthermore, masks are a time-specific tactic that is can be properly leveraged as initiatives to help their respective communities and support vulnerable groups in need of food parcels or funding.
Still, the world needs a cure. And while the government develops beta vaccines, some of the most important hero’s right now are creatives. Brands that are, essentially, encouraging people to practice social distancing and minimize the spread of coronavirus. It does no harm to fight covid in style. This decade will definitely go in the fashion history books to come, commemorating the one accessory no trend report could have predicted. Africa being amongst the continents that been largely affected – primarily, due to the lack of resources and larger populations – African brands have resorted to producing masks in different fabrics and prints, while also increasing awareness. Here are some of the designers crafting outstanding masks in the African Diaspora:
House of Hohwa
Named as one of Forbes‘s most creative brands, House of Hohwa has seized the opportunity to focus on the safety of the streets of South Africa with striking fabrics colorfully blended with unique patterns. The designer, Kuda Matiza, is a Zimbabwean based in Johannesburg.
Besida
Beautifully and ethically made to leave an impression, Besida took part in the mask-making with an initiative proudly hosted by the Fashion Revolution Organizational to showcase their work. Founded by a Nigerian designer, the brand has outdone itself with its latest face mask collection.
Haute Afrika
Haute couture might not be the talk of the fashion streets during this pandemic, but Haute Afrika has found itself doing more than just face masks. The fashion brand – founded by Gracia Gampille – took the extra mile in giving food parcels to the unfortunate as well.
Rich Mnisi
Widely known for his luxury designs and creative eye, Rich Mnisi broke the Internet with the launch of their first face mask collection. The brand will be donating a portion of sales to local charities affected by COVID-19.
SELF Academy & Agency
Also known as SELF (Students expressing life through Fashion) The Award-winning sewing academy founded by Gynella Ngounou took their help one notch ahead creating 800 masks to give to frontline workers, small businesses and their supporters.
It looks like we are going to be wearing face masks for a while. So whether going to a party or to the grocery store, these regulations have been implemented across the world and one can only adhere to the rules for safety. It’s also unclear as to when the cure will be safe and available. Having multiple options for face masks is not such a bad idea. So, cover-up; but make it fashionable.
