Face masks are a bother sometimes, aren’t they? But as much as we yearn for the post-Covid 19 days when we can do without them, we still count them as essential in our current rotation of daily wear, for the sake of public health — which is why some of us aren’t settling for plain masks anymore. Call it vanity, but we prefer self-expression. And when designer face masks or pretty fabric ones alone won’t do, you can always accessorise.
We’ve talked about functional mask accessories before, so this time we’re veering more towards aesthetic appreciation. Plenty of local labels and online stores have come up with mask chains, beautifully-designed accessories that you attach onto the loops of your mask. Adorned with gemstones or beads, a mask chain acts as both an eye-catching piece of jewellery, and a functional way to hang your masks while you’re out for a meal. Plenty of these multi-way chains can also double up as eyewear chains to keep your sunglasses secure.
From cute and kitsch to classically glamorous, here are 5 accessories labels that make wearing masks way more stylish:
1. SSFW
This local label first started online with handcrafted jewellery back in 2007, before officially opening a brick-and-mortar space at Haji Lane in 2010 — which means the well-loved brand has been around for a while, and with good reason! Constellation necklaces and gemstone jewellery aside, what’s truly trending now has to be their series of mask accessories, in feminine designs that artfully display gemstones and glass crystals on 18k gold-plated hardware.
Functionality is also a key concern here, and these tarnish-resistant multi-purpose chains are able to hold onto your masks, and serve as lanyard or eyeglass chains. You can wear them on their own as beaded necklaces for a chic boho vibe.
If dainty designs are less your thing, SSFW also produces unisex Daily Mask Straps made of cotton, in varying lengths, and in a range of shades, pastel or bright colours alike — that’s 20 shades in total. The more casual counterparts are sold in packs of 3, where you get to choose your favourite shades in the order form.
Available at SSFW.COM.SG. Follow on Instagram HERE.
2. Wanlee
This little-known jeweller caught our eye thanks to glass beads and freshwater pearls collections that glint in the sun. Describing the brand as “the brainchild of a doting granddaughter growing up playing with her yaay‘s (grandmother in Thai) jewellery drawers”, there is indeed something whimsical about the necklaces and bracelets, especially the made-in-Singapore house line. That there’s now a ‘Summer Days’ series of face mask chains, then, is exactly what we needed.
Once again, multi-functional is a key feature here. You’re able to pair one of the mask chains with your face mask, loop it twice for a neat choker you can wear ’round your neck, or even flaunt one on your wrist as a bracelet. Some of the chains, made with Japanese and Indian glass beads, even come two-toned for some nice variation when double-looped. Easily the thing that stands out though are the soft pastel tones of the series. Inspired by green grass, warm breeze, and wildflowers, these will make you feel like the great outdoors are closer than you think.
Available at WANLEE.CO. Follow on Instagram HERE.
3. Thrifty Thieves
Who else here is a fan of this fun local label? Thrifty Thieves debut in 2017 with their range of trendy statement earrings and jewellery, and has earned much relevance among the younger set for the pieces’ affordable prices and the brand’s sense of always knowing exactly what’s in. With that, there’s no doubt that multi-way chains — ones that hold on to both eyewear and masks — are in demand, and you bet they know what we want.
A string of pearls might suit your fancy, or for more subtle wearers, a line of tiny hearts in silver or gold. Bolder designs such as pastel pearls make the collection as well, as with a sold-out Coco design that combines faux pearls, alloy metal and vegan leather in one multi-strand piece. People probably like the flexibility that statement piece can give when worn as a necklace. Either way, these are a steal at just $16.90!
Available at THRIFTYTHIEVES.COM. Follow on Instagram HERE.
4. Second Wind
In what has got to be the most runway-worthy look of the lot, Second Wind’s linen masks are paired perfectly with lucite, tortoiseshell, or gold chains for a ‘fit that’s fit for high fashion. Maybe it’s the tone-on-tone pairing, coordinated tones, or the adapting of It-girl chunky chains — the creative vision of Latina designer and stylist Karen Perez shows in her indie label, where all 4 mask chain designs are currently sold out. The masks and chains are handmade by master tailors in their New York City studio, though they do ship internationally, if you’re able to snap one up that is.
Available at SHOPSECONDWIND.COM. Follow on Instagram HERE.
5. Éliou
For this contemporary jewellery brand, designers Cristina Mantilla and Duda Teixeira often ease their love for beach holidays into bright, fun jewellery that are well worth a closer look. The Marigold chain, for instance, also doubles up as one for your eyewear, and uses Millefiori beads, a technique of mosaic glasswork that seems to encase tiny flowers inside glass beads. Another éliou sunglasses chain, made exclusively for NET-A-PORTER, is handmade with tiny, vibrant colourful beads. Look again and you’ll notice how these are striped, opaque, translucent, and in varying sizes layed side by side, for a statement piece that’s both smart and very cute.
AVAILABLE AT ELIOU-ELIOU.COM and NET-A-PORTER. follow on instagram HERE.
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