THE FACEMASK has become part of our everyday life. While the main purpose of masks is to protect the wearer and those around them, many have spotted an opportunity to make a fashion statement. And it’s not just fashionistas that are making the most of the mask to look cool. From brides and grooms to celebrities and professionals, the mask is more than just a face covering. It speaks to people’s tastes and preferences, and to their sense of style. Designer Mumukunde Umu Umulisa, the owner of Umu Atelier in Gikondo, told The New Times that it is not uncommon for her clients to place an order for cloth masks in certain colours and designs, often to match their wardrobes. Clients, she said, are more particular when they are planning on what to wear for events like weddings, graduation ceremonies, among others. Kennedy Ngabonziza, a tailor and designer who works from downtown Kigali, said: “It has become something of a trend, some people actually wear a mask not primarily because of safety concerns but for fashion purposes. They will go for a mask that matches their outfits.” Noble Nziza, the owner of Lord Noble House, reckoned that the mask might even remain long after Covid-19 has ended. On her part, Benitha Kagame, a former model who now works with a private organisation in Remera, said the requirement to wear face coverings in public have only ignited her sense of fashion. “I may no longer be in the fashion industry but every time I am preparing what to wear I find myself paying attention to how my facemasks match with my clothes,” she said. Major clothing brands in the city have moved to make the most of mask-inspired sense of style, particularly cashing in on in the early days of the pandemic. Some masks even went for as much as Rwf15,000 a piece. Some people also make a choice on whether to wear blue, white or black surgical masks based on the colours of their outfit. “My sister does it a lot,” she told The New Times. Ngabonziza advises people to be mindful of the kind of masks they wear even as they care about how they look behind the mask. “In the early days of the pandemic, particular manufacturers were authorities to make cloth facemasks with two layers, for safety purposes but I don’t think it’s still the case today,” he added. Noble Nziza also advised the public to always look at the quality of masks before considering the fashion aspect. “The pandemic is still with us and the mask is part of essential safety measures.” Kagame agreed: “If people just wear masks to make a fashion statement it might put us all at risk.” According to the World Organization Health, masks are part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress Covid transmission. But the UN body has also warned people to ensure appropriate use, storage and cleaning of (cloth) facemasks.
