Saving face: Festive masks to wear for Chinese New Year in a pandemic

January 28, 2022

SINGAPORE – It is time to put your minimalist masks away again, because what is Chinese New Year without a bit of fun?

Be it disposable face masks or their reusable cloth counterparts, this year’s festive offerings for adults and children come in an explosion of colours – including plenty of red – and tiger-optional prints.

Whether you are after dainty designs or full-on kitsch (think bak kwa masks from design studio Wheniwasfour, $10.90 each), these face coverings are all about serving looks with a side of Chinese New Year spirit.

But it is not all about cheekiness and style. Mask specialist Enro’s Blooming Tiger masks, for instance, comes with built-in PM0.1 filtration layers that are said to filter out over 98 per cent of viruses and bacteria, and is supposed to last for more than 100 washes.

Meanwhile, local brand Simone Sews’ three-ply masks include a washable filter. Founded by self-professed “fabricoholic” Simone Consigliere, Simone Sews uses only 100 per cent cotton fabrics. Her Chinese New Year-themed mask, Roaring In 2022, is made in Italy and printed in South Korea.

Non-profit organisation Project Luni is also getting in on the game with its disposable KF94 masks, but any money made from the purchases will be funnelled to its main mission: rescuing cats.

The masks by Komuniti Tukang Jahit, on the other hand, are sewn by a community of single and stay-at-home mothers from Malaysia, who are paid some income in return – talk about doing good while looking good.

Whatever your pick, offset these maximalist masks with an understated ensemble. Stick to sleek silhouettes, opt for one or two colours at most for your clothes and you are all ready to party – while sticking to the usual social distancing regulations, of course.

1. MaskyMushy’s mahjong mask

Get lucky this Chinese New Year with MaskyMushy’s mahjong mask ($12 for mask only; $16 with neck straps; order via @maskymushy on Instagram).

2. Simone Sews’ Roaring Into 2022 cotton mask

Simone Sews’ Roaring Into 2022 cotton mask ($18 via @simonesews on Instagram, for adults and children) is made in Italy.

3. Komuniti Tukang Jahit’s masks

Komuniti Tukang Jahit’s masks ($20.20 for a pack of three designs from Royale Culture) are sewn by underprivileged mothers in Malaysia.

4. Bewa’s Embroidered Tiger Mask

Bewa’s Embroidered Tiger Mask ($18 from Bewa, comes in three colours for adults) is made with two layers of anti-microbial filters.

5. Project Luni’s KF94 Orange Tiger mask

Money from the sale of Project Luni’s KF94 Orange Tiger mask ($15 for 10 kid-sized masks from Project Luni) will go towards rescuing cats.

6. ThePhase Co’s Magical Floral/Divine mask

ThePhase Co’s Magical Floral/Divine mask ($9.90 from ThePhase Co) is said to be made with medical-grade fabric and anti-bacterial filters.

7. Enro’s reusable Red Sakura mask

Enro’s reusable Red Sakura mask comes with filtration layers and is supposed to last for more than 100 washes (from $23 from Enro).

8. Reiki Crystals’ Lucky Cat mask

Reiki Crystals’ Lucky Cat mask ($6 for a pack of five) is available at the brand’s kiosk in Nex Shopping Mall.

9. Eco-friendly children’s wear brand Dinoski

Eco-friendly children’s wear brand Dinoski has created a reusable mask featuring mascot Pounce the tiger (sale price of £5, or S$9, at Dinoski).

10. Society A’s Daily Lace Mask in Blush Pink

Society A’s Daily Lace Mask in Blush Pink (US$35, or S$48, from Society A) has a pink satin base and comes with a mask chain.