With a deadly pandemic sweeping through cities and spreading across state lines, many mayors and governors have mandated that everyone wear face coverings.
In recent weeks masks have become an emblem of the fight against the coronavirus.
And just as other face accessories – most notably sunglasses – reflect the attitude and unique style of their owners, so do face masks.
That’s where Brooke Korine enters the picture. Just over a month ago the college student and fashion model fled her hectic life in New York City for her family’s home on Long Island.
Brooke soon realized that she would feel safer behind a face covering. She could see that the N-95 surgical mask was the safest, but these had to be saved for health care workers. Even a flimsy blue paper one would be better than nothing, but they were sold out. If Brooke wanted to wear a mask she would have to design one for herself. That’s when the idea for Maskarade was born.
Brooke wanted something that would say her name without her having to speak, and would communicate her essential spirit, even while hiding her face. She found a local tailor who was willing to work with her to design a prototype.
The finished product is protective and stylish. It has adjustable straps and fits snugly on the face. It’s made out of a cotton fabric that is dense enough to filter out 70% of all small particles. The mask can be customized with your name or a short quote.
Best of all these face coverings accomplish what Brooke set out to do: “Brighten up the world because we all need it.”
With a vaccine potentially over a year away, public health officials agree that the mask is here to stay.
Check out Maskarade styles on https://www.maskarade.shop
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the CPD COVID-19 response fund, which supports preparedness, containment, and recovery activities for those affected and the responders.