Image: BRIDAL ALCHEMY
No, masks are not one-size-fits-all. They should be taken into consideration as much as any other accessory when you put an outfit together.
This is according to Pretoria-based fashion designer Simon Rademan, who considers himself a bridal expert and etiquette master.
He is reminding South Africans that while lipstick or makeup may have taken a back seat for now, wearing a mask doesn’t mean neglecting style.
The fashionista and author of The Style Bible aims to educate us about picking a suitable mask to complement individual bone structures and styles.
“When the coronavirus came and ‘slapped’ a piece of fabric on our faces, we forgot all the rules of looking ‘our best’,” said Rademan.
Designers across the globe have been trying to find a perfect style for all, he said, “but there is no style that suits everyone. There are people with a facial shape who can wear anything and still look good, but they are in the minority.”
Rademan said the most popular masks are:
- Medical
- Sporty
- Home-made
- Industrial
- Circular tube
- Bandanna
- Folded
“The trick would be to play a game of matchup and find the right one. Some used the period of lockdown for finding that out, but as the world starts to reopen, it would be best if you already know what suits you perfectly,” he said.
Choosing the right mask also has a lot to do with the shape and structure of one’s face, he added.
“The secret to wearing a mask perfectly is to do it exactly as you would with the rest of your wardrobe: follow your bone structure ... add where necessary, cover what you should and leave open what is beautiful.”
Rademan offered the following tips when choosing a mask:
- Dark colours slim down the face and light colours widen it.
- Elastic around the ears or behind the head can be hidden.
- Words and patterns draw attention, so tone it down if not the focus.
- Folded shapes add volume.
- Shaping the nose with a tiny piece of wire is priceless.
- Never borrow from others.
- Always have a spare.
He said there is “no reason not to look fabulous wearing a mask”, warning that history will judge us for the fashion decisions we make, even during lockdown.
“Selfies and pictures are memories that will be around forever. The day will come that our children and their children will laugh at us for looking silly. Nevertheless, wearing it remains a sign of respect and protection for others, and while we have to do it, we might as well do it beautifully, with class and even sensually.”