EYES & EDGE TOP 10 REPORT: MASK OFF

While on a federal level the government is slowly opening up from mandated quarantine, states like California are extending through the end of July. With the broad range of rules and restrictions, the question remains—what is the threat of coronavirus exposure? And even greater—what the hell is actually happening? One thing we know for sure is whether it’s fashion or function—as the world mindfully reopens—masks are always a good idea.

“From design to sample in under a week. Start small, think big, scale fast.” Says Alan King, founder of AKINGS NY. The brand was one of the firsts to nimbly pivot. Before they even went into production, they were offering free disposable face masks being shipped out all over the country, with only a simple request of shipping compensation. Now, they’re producing custom functional options with mass produced 4-layer filter, disposable face masks. But they’re also catering to aesthetic with small batch crafted pieces in vegan leather and other exotic variations for the discerning NY fashionista. See all their options online.

Portland may be known for keeping it weird, but designers like COLTY, are applying that “think different” mentality to make a big difference. Like many brands, with the introduction of COVID-19 the accessories guru pivoted to focus on masks. But they’re making sure that everyone can afford to look good AND be safe. The designer introduced a pay what you can concept with a sliding scale of $2-$10 a mask. They’ve also whipped up some flossier numbers like the beautiful diamond studded wonder above, for our more discerning queens and kings. We love what you’re doing COLTY! *snaps*

When it comes to West Coast custom, few do it better. ANDRE EMERY, well known for celebrity costuming and wardrobe from coast to coast, is a Los Angeles staple in the luxury re-imagining game—anything from LV vests to full on chaps and even sports coats. In fact luxury re-imagined masks were a staple in Emery’s design aesthetic before COVID-19 was even a whisper, so it was only natural the designer up-the production with the hit of a pandemic. These masks may not be the multi layer cotton or filtered joint, but they’re the perfect over-lay aesthetic or ZOOM call accessory. Reach out for your custom mask today. I mean—we have to live for something. It’s not like they can see our handbags or manicures, okurrr.

True character is discerned in a crisis. So it should come as no surprise that New York born and bread THURSDAY BOOTS is leading the, “for the people”, initiative. A respected men and women’s boot brand, the company specializes in high quality footwear at an accessible price point. They also have a long track record of involvement with non-profit wings like It’s From the Sole. When the pandemic hit, Thursday Boots made an immediate pivot to transition their entire line of production at their partner factory from boots to masks. They’re shipping all of their triple layer, washable, HK-19 polypropylene masks to front line responders. Big love to Thursday Boots.

SIXELAR—West Coast lifestyle all the way baby! As comfortable amongst the palm trees of Beverley Hills, as the Venice grunge crowd—this brand is a local staple to Angelenos. US made, the brand is locally manufactured in the LA garment district from ethically sourced materials. A major staple in the city’s culture, SIXELAR is keeping the people of their city safe with fun, functional, neoprene masks in a variety of prints and colors. Being outdoors without a mask in Cali currently warrants a $1,000.00 fine. Sixelar is making sure their people stay safe AND on point without taking a major financial hit. Snag a mask for just $7.00—shipping included.

BALIA WEAR is the little brand that could. Chugging up the hill with more might and tenacity that most of the big ‘boys’, this Miami based brand is unstoppable. Small batch and nimnbly produced, they have been in the fun, but functional apparel game on South Beach for a while. When the pandemic rolled through, founder Alvina Lam, immediately started creating face coverings as well. Their small batch philosophy has enabled them to stay on top of orders with quick ship times, and participate in a give back donation drive as well. Bonus? Most of their fun little numbers match full leisure sets like shorts, tops, or blouses.

One of the big dogs, but still a big fan—RAG & BONE. Jumping onto the COVID scene with mass produced mask solutions at around $30 a piece. These cuties are manufactured in the USA, highly durable, and yet still manage to keep their aesthetic presence at the forefront. The best part? Due to the large brand footprint, you can easily get your hands on one.

Quarantine, but make it fashion. KRONE has got you covered—literally. The alt-atelier brand is a New York favorite, providing a touch of luxury through their creative but simple designs. Like many of our East Coast heroes battling COVID-19, the brand has added masks to their menu of goods. We could all use a little sparkle in these dark times, and KRONE is here for it. Contact them for a custom solution or one of their dazzling GLIT masks—you won’t regret it.

We’re fan girl-ing oh-so-hard over LIRIKA MATOSHI, in oh-so-many ways. The super sweet brand, is the perfect dose of whimsy and daily delight to sweeten up the dreary days of quarantine. Like several of our favorite designers, with the sweep of the pandemic, the brand began crafting masks. They’re high quality cotton, with fantastically fun touches like embroidered strawberries, daisy prints, or tie-dyed tulle overlays. The masks have been so popular, that they’re currently sold out—but we have high hopes they’ll be available again soon. *fingers crossed*

Khloe Kardashian’s brand, GOOD AMERICAN has been making sure booty’s of all shapes and sizes stay covered since their launch in 2016. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the founder saw the opportunity to take their ethos a step further, providing masks to keep our faces safely covered as well. You can snag one of their cool denim face covers for a mere $5.00. The versatile option doesn’t put a major dent in your wallet, and just like a goof pair of jeans—you can rock it with just about anything.