Back in 2019, the coronavirus (COVID-19) was more or less localized in China, and a discussion about wearing masks began. While some saw it as an unwarranted panic, others began to buy them en masse, thus creating a deficit situation of medical protective masks, which is unfavorable for healthcare professionals. After the virus spread from China to other countries, today most of the world is fighting against COVID-19. The main companies that have produced protective medical masks cannot keep up with the production according to the current demand. In response to the situation at protective masks production is joined by representatives of the fashion industry and other entrepreneurs.
COVID-19 creates new challenges for the fashion world
COVID-19 has affected global mass fashion brands, global high fashion houses, young designers and small businesses. Brands such as H&M, ZARA, fashion houses Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Balenciaga, Gucci have already shared reports that they have started production, preparing large quantities of masks and gloves for doctors and daily protective masks for every person. As the demand for normal fashion production has decreased significantly and there has been a shortage of medical protective masks, the fashion industry is changing and, in cooperation with the medical industry, rapidly adapting to the new, necessary human needs provoked by the COVID-1 pandemic.
Although protective masks are not new, in East Asian countries due to air pollution, they have been worn in public since the beginning of the 19th century, but the massive activation of mask wearing around the world, caused by COVID-XNUMX, is being observed right now.
Knitted masks also protect
In social networks, stars who dictate fashion trends are increasingly appearing with well-known brands or homemade fabric masks. Doctors and scientists claim that homemade cloth masks are not certified medical devices that provide full protection, and should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures such as: safety glasses, hand hygiene, communication at a distance, but any means of covering the face, regardless of what percentage of the risk without reducing it is relevant and useful today when it comes to responsibility for one's own and another's safety.
JAV according to scientists and doctors, even a two-layer mask of high-quality cotton cloth can protect about 70% (and more) from the entry of micron particles of the virus into the nasal or oral cavities, both internally and externally. So even knitted masks are a logically justified means of protecting yourself or those around you.
The mask becomes not only a preventive means of protection, but also a new representative expression of communication, expressing one's position in the critical situation of the world.
There is a boom in mask production in Lithuania
Due to the massive lack of protective measures in Lithuania, the fashion designers of our country are joining the fight against the coronavirus by using production resources and consulting with specialists. With the closure of shops and a significant decrease in daily turnover, representatives of the fashion world are shifting their efforts to the production of protective masks.
Social networks are already flashing with the supply of homemade protective masks. Masks are sewn both by the country's most famous designers, as well as by big Lithuanian manufacturers, in collaboration with creators, and by individual tailors working on an individual basis.
Designer Robertas Kalinkinas wrote on his Facebook account that when the doors close, the windows open, after an unexpected situation arose both in Lithuania and around the world. "When I was asked a month ago what my plans were at the end of March, I told everyone only one thing - a vacation with family and friends in Thailand. But the door was closed.
But how many windows have opened!", the creator shared his thoughts about the changes in life, revealing that what has been happening to him and the entire team gathered around him in the last week not only does not give them peace, but also motivates them.
"The result we are aiming for in terms of production is incredible. Even more incredible are the conditions under which we achieve that result.
And what is even more incredible is that the team assembled around the beautiful idea of helping has acquired a "snowball" effect and we expect to support thousands of medical workers with real means very soon.", even before the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania approved the support of protective masks for Lithuanian hospitals, the designer wrote on his account.
The creator emphasized that masks are sewn for medical institutions throughout Lithuania free of charge and thanked for the support of Lithuanian businessmen and creators for this initiative.
Consciousness and unity
"Reusable cotton masks withstand disinfection tests, we have found an analogue for respirators, we produce masks - and over 240 of them. Thus, they are not sterile, just like those from supermarkets, which doctors buy from their own funds for cosmic money. While we are waiting for the means purchased by SAM to reach Lithuania, we will be guided by what we can provide here and now", said creator Robertas Kalinkinas.
The Lithuanian fashion brand "D.EFECT" joins the production of protective masks in response to their shortage on the market. "Our cotton masks are not for medical use, but they are perfect for protecting yourself from unnecessary face touching when you are near someone sneezing, when you go to the store or work. They are reusable, washable, easy to care for, provide psychological comfort", - was shared on the "D.EFECT" account, along with information about the mask's components and care.
Multiple use
"The masks are made of extra densely woven cotton with a layer of interlining inside. There is also a ready place to insert your extra filter to make you feel even more secure. Masks are reusable, washable at 90°C and ironed before each use. They can be disinfected for 15 minutes in a clothes dryer at a temperature higher than 70°C. A thin wire is sewn inside the masks, which will allow it to adapt exactly according to the curve of your nose", wrote Eglė Žiemytė, designer of the "D.EFECT" brand, emphasizing that the masks are not aimed at making money, it is a way to keep staff and help people.
On her Facebook account, designer Audronė Bunikienė, wearing a homemade mask, stated that the latest fashion trends are: mask, disposable gloves, hand sanitizing liquid, awareness, friendliness, but she admitted that she prefers to create dresses, suits, coats than disposable masks.
The most prominent designer of the country, Juozas Statkevičius, shared the sewn masks on his Facebook account: "White, dense cotton masks, washable, single-layer!" For your convenience, protect yourself and others! Couture fashion house protects and saves people during corona! Be alert!”
The "Sofa Killer" Lithuanian brand started the production of a camo pattern reusable protective mask with an inner pocket for an additional filter-material according to everyone's personal desire. In addition, the camouflage pattern of the material is particularly attractive to young people," explained the manufacturer of knitted masks.
Designer Vidmantė Martinkonytė, Infini kaukės, Sermīga Kaukės, Omniteksas and many others shared self-made masks on social networks. The Lithuanian Opera and Ballet Theater also started sewing fabric masks.
Protective mask - the "must have" of 2020
Even before the arrival of the COVID-19 wave, the world's most famous designers presented different interpretations of protective masks in their collections from time to time, conditioned by air pollution, history or other contexts. This was seen in the works of Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Maison Martin Margiela, Marine Serre and other designers.
The use of the mask in a historical context has been known since ancient times: in religious rituals, hunting, sports, plays, war. In each case, the mask performed different functions - safety, protection, solidarity, protest, fashion trends. Over time, the mask changed, gaining importance in different contexts. In 2020, when the world is in the grip of COVID-19, the mask becomes a symbol of both protection and a conscious, responsible attitude to what is happening.
More than disinfectant liquid or protective gloves, the mask becomes a form of communication, like an inseparable accessory. COVID - 19 unexpectedly dictates the spring 2020 "must have" list, in which we have a protective mask as the first number.
