Non-surgical Facemasks – the new Must Have Fashion Accessory

Non-surgical facemasks are the new ‘must have’ accessory and many predict they are here to stay. So when the racing events eventually open to the public, how do you ensure they won’t spoil your race day outfit?

Answer: Many fashion designers and milliners have embraced the task of creating fashion masks in all colours and prints; some are able to match with their hats and dresses.

Couturier Simon Copeland designs elegant and glamorous clothes for special occasions including a day at the races. He provides a bespoke service ensuring a perfect fit and that individual touch to meet a client’s particular requirements.

During lockdown, Simon turned his attention to helping produce items of PPE for the NHS and Carers. For his clients still awaiting delivery he started to offer the option of creating matching non-surgical facemasks to coordinate with their new outfit.

Soon others began to enquire which led him to provide a selection of masks to buy separately. https://www.simoncopeland.com/face-masks

All profits on these masks are donated to NHS charities

Fabrics range from satin to tweed but each mask is interlined in cotton and then lined in silk to be as soft as possible against the skin. Prices vary from £9.99 up to £29.99 due to the fabrics used. We think his tartan facemasks will be ideal for Cheltenham.

Prior to Covid-19 and as part of her fashion consultancy work, Ruth Farrell, owner of Hope Bespoke millinery, already provided research, design development and technical help to a company supplying PPE. When the lockdown began, she then volunteered to help as a machinist at McNairs shirts making PPE gowns.

In her spare time, she began making non-surgical facemasks for her family using fabric remnants and elastic scraps. Posting images of these masks on Instagram and Facebook created an interest from friends and followers so Ruth began to buy fabric and elastic to make more. Fabrics used are either washable cotton or poly/cotton bought from small businesses in the UK. She makes the masks with two layers of fabric and does offer ones with a space to add a filter for a 50p surcharge.

Price is £9.50 and available for men, women and children. Prints range from retro, animal, floral, spots, stripes and Mexican Day of the Dead. To check out more designs visit https://www.instagram.com/hopebespoke/ or https://www.facebook.com/HopeBespoke/

To purchase just DM her.

Once Ruth is able to open her millinery studio for clients, she will offer masks to coordinate with the headpiece or even make one in the same fabric as the customer’s outfit if they can provide a remnant.

Anna Gilder is putting her millinery skills to good use by volunteering with Visor Army to create hand made visors for NHS staff. If that wasn’t enough, she started making non-surgical facemasks for friends, family and local vulnerable people. This gave her the idea of supplying to the public via her Frog and Crown 17 brand on Etsy.

Here you can purchase reusable and washable organic cotton (non-surgical) facemasks in 3ply layers with nose wire. Vintage Floral design with blue, pink or beige backgrounds.

Price £15.

Always working to design the perfect fit mask, Anna has created the new improved 3D shape in sustainable beige pink cotton.

Also possible to make in four layers or with filter pocket for an additional charge.

Note: all the above are not medical/PPE facemasks. These non-surgical facemasks may look gorgeous and may provide some protection but remember the most effective way to protect yourself is not to touch your face and frequent hand washing with soap and water.