With the COVID-19 pandemic on the loose numerous countries decided to reinforce strict rules and regulations, one of which requires citizens to wear a face mask when in public. A guideline that started out with the purpose to protect ourselves and those we love, has slowly but surely evolved into the fashion world’s latest trend.

Since early April the global demand for face masks have risen by a significant amount and it is without a doubt that it will only keep increasing. Advisably, we must act now; before we are faced with a scarcity in resources and the inability to provide ourselves and our family with security. Moreover, one could say this is undeniably what fashion designer; Nazia Ismail has done with the time and materials at hand.

How it all began

Working “over 30 years in the Fashion Industry”, Nazia is just one of those artists who live by the principle of “quality over quantity”. Skilfully specialized in custom-made designs, from formal and office wear to wedding wear, she has you covered regardless the occasion. Nevertheless, the path to her personalized face masks has an entirely different story.

It all started out as a private project that quickly gained attention from fans and even strangers, as she walked the streets of Maldives wearing her very own customized face mask. Soon after “(she) put it on social media, and people started asking for it”. Weeks later she produced her 1st batch of a “100 face masks”, which she decided to “donate”. However, as the desire for her product progressed, the compassionate fashion designer established price categories depending of what her clients could afford, they ranged from “50mvr, 75mvr and 100mvr”

Her masks are not only stylish and trendy but also smart; created from layers that are closely knit and made from 100% cotton material, it promises safety with confidence. Also, unlike the surgical masks, the cloth mask in particular can be washed and reused, and not to forget even environmentally friendly.

Facemasks as a “medium of expression”

Nazia has full faith in the concept of individualism; as she states her pieces are “Ideal for each individuals based on who they are”. She has produced masks for a range of people; from office employees who prefer a “minimalistic yet professional” colour, to teen’s street wear with “comic strips”. Contrastingly, though she takes requests from the Influencers and the ordinary, she emphasized that the two have much in common, as both parties “prefer to standout”.

Furthermore using the power of freedom of speech she speaks out using her gift for the “Black Lives Matter” movement; on Instagram she posts a facemask with artwork, that convey courage to the black community in times of such adversity. The diversity in her cliental has built an aura of embracing self-identification and self-expression.

We can all agree that through her talent she has successfully assisted in the expressing of one’s self using facemasks as a fine art.