It’s lockdown 2.0, and Melbournites need to band together right now (figuratively, of course). With particularly those in service-based industries and creative industries suffering heavily, many have turned to creating and selling the most in-demand product in the city right now - face masks.
There are a huge number of benefits in buying from these vendors, not least of which is reducing your impact on the environment by opting for reusable rather than disposable masks. You can also avoid contributing to what is likely poor working conditions in unsafe factory settings, big corporates who are already capitalising off of the pandemic, and support local and ethically made small business at the same time.
So without further ado, here are some choice creatives right here in Victoria who deserve your coin;
Penny Drop
Self described as ‘PG rated fetishism, pink until you pop’, Penny Drop items are unique and standout artworks in and of themselves. I’ve been a long-time fan of Penny Drop and the talented designer behind it, and actually have my own mask from here. 3x, 2x and 1x layered options available in a combination of fabrics including wool and denim, and best of all - fun prints like eggs and sad cats to capture your iso essence.
Price: $20 + $3 shipping AU wide (or get in touch to work something out if you can’t afford)
Instagram: @pennydrop
How to purchase: Browse masks in story highlights and DM to purchase
Moosedoll
Stylist, artist, designer behind Filfy Rish and all-round creative firework Hayley aka Moosedoll has made some of the coolest upcycled masks on the market. She’s not taking new orders for now, but I had to include her on the off chance she opens up for orders again - they’re all one-offs, zero waste and upcycled. And just look at the Pocari sweat one. Just look at it.
Price: TBC
Instagram: @moosedoll
How to purchase: Cross your fingers and pray they’ll come back into production
Buttonfox
What happens when high-quality, handmade labels start making masks? Cute and genuinely comfy stuff, that’s what. Buttonfox face masks are made completely adjustable and are sized to accomodate any different face shape, with 3 layers and the outermost made of a deliciously soft and fluffy-looking polyester minky. Get to know the team of two better by tuning into their Twitch channel and watching them work their handcrafted magic on these made-to-order masks.
Price: $20
Instagram: @btnfox
How to purchase: Head to their website here
Ariane Bingham
Not for the faint of heart, these masks exist to bring a little extra sparkle into the day-to-day mundane routine of quarantine. Ariane Bingham’s zero waste studio uses fabric offcuts from previous collections to create these unique sequinned masks, as well as some more intricate Steampunk-inspired designs. Snag yourself a matching set while you’re at it, so your wardrobe is ready for festival season once it makes its (eventual) return.
Price: $18 - $38.25
Instagram: @ariane_bingham_sparkles
How to purchase: Head to their website here
JUDE
Design by Jude focuses on ethically made unisex garments, featuring organic textures and beautifully draping layers and silhouettes. Similarly, their face masks are premium minimalist designs made in all-natural fibres, with options to customise to your unique face shape for the perfect fit. If you’re looking to go the #MonochromeMelbourne route, modern artisan fashion by Jude is the way to go.
Price: $30 - $36
Instagram: @designbyjude
How to purchase: Head to their website here
R E M U S E
With design concepts focusing on the intersection of nature and futurism, R E M U S E garments are natural, flowy and ethereal in their fit - so it’s no wonder their face masks are similarly stunning. Made with 100% natural fibres and GOTS Certified Organic Cotton thread, a standout feature of the brand is their commitment to using plant-based textiles and being ethically hand-dyed right out of their Collingwood studio.
Price: $19 - $25
Instagram: @remusedesigns
How to purchase: Head to their website here
SuRAIYA Lorenz
Melbourne Art Director Suraiya Lorenz is creating face masks with an oxymoronic twist - they have a zip running through them. With all proceeds going towards the COVID-19 Victorian First Nations Mutual Aid Fund, Sue’s Zip It Face Masks were conceptualised around the idea of listening and learning from First Nations people who have been affected for generations by the systemic effects of colonisation. They also come with a luxe velvet drawstring pouch - adorable.
