the evolution of masks Musings on masks as a new form of mass communication WRITING Anna Nasi
“She’s a ‘mask fisher,’” “he’s kinda a ‘mask-hole,’” “ugh I have ‘mask-ne.’”
MODELING Safa Bilal
If someone were to mention these colloquialisms to me a year ago, I’d have thought they were crazy. The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in more ways than one, perhaps most noticeably by necessitating the constant use of protective facial coverings. Surprisingly, this requirement has given way to a cultural phenomenon. Whether it be the growing presence of mask-related slang or the way that we now form our impressions of people based on the mask they wear (or choose not to wear), these small squares of fabric have evolved from a functional necessity to a tool of self-expression. So what’s the best way to make the most of your outfit in the era of masks? How can we use them to contribute to our style or make a statement about ourselves? As I pondered these questions, I thought about how my own view of masks has changed since the beginning of quarantine.
PHOTOGRAPHY Kate Coiro DESIGN Oliver Hu, Phoebe Lasater
In March I had just one mask, and my only concern was its functionality as a protector of myself and others. It appeared that everyone around me was on the same page; I REMEMBER GOING OUT IN PUBLIC BEING LOST IN A SEA OF IDENTICAL N95S AND THE REGULAR BLUE DISPOSABLES. This was the early quarantine uniform. Of course, it didn’t take long for people to get bored of the lack of options, and businesses and creatives alike soon started offering options for individuals to reclaim this required accessory and make it their own. Come April, I decided to use all of my extra free time to start sewing my own masks. As I made more and more, experimenting with new fabrics, colors and designs, I started approaching the mask-making process with the same energy and thought that I would channel into sewing
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