HYDERABAD: The mask, which has been made mandatory since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, is gradually shaping up as a fashion accessory following lockdown relaxations.
What appeared to be purely medical masks, they have now become so integral to one’s life that people are patronising designer masks that have hit the market.
Their finest of ‘made for the occasion’ creations, matching the individual’s party-wear, can be seen at social gatherings, weddings and birthday bashes.
The bride and groom are opting for crafted fancy masks that retain the traditional touch while in children’s birthday parties, masks bearing comic characters are distributed to the kids, while theme prints dominate family gathering and corporate functions.
As a result, designers and fabric printers are doing brisk business. Customers are urging their tailors to stitch masks that match the main dress. A most noticeable change is that stitched clothes are the in-thing.
Udaya Bhaskar, a fashion designer of Krafted Creations, is busy round the clock with his digital textile printing. He is the only one in the city with the machine that can print on any kind of fabric.
When four months of lockdown did not fetch any business, Uday, in a smart move, came up with unique printed masks, and the business picked up gradually.
“Event managers approach us as we print masks for the theme parties, birthday parties, especially for kids with cartoon characters while corporate houses want their logos on it. A mask is available for '7 and it goes up to '15.”
Gandla Muralidhar of Sumangal Tailors at Abids, said “a new craze has started. Customers ordering for men suits or wedding clothes, ask us to design masks that match them. It takes about 20 centimetres to stitch two masks for the same fabric.”
Zeharuddin, who is into traditional stone, zardozi or mirror work on dresses, said, “Designer masks are the new style statement. Clients mostly ask for zardozi or stone work on them.”
At the end of the day, health officials are happy as people have made it a habit to wear masks.
