It seemed like a lifetime ago that I strutted the world’s latest fashions on the runways during New York’s fashion week. It was a sight to behold. Spectators came from near and far to view the latest trends in fashion. Glitter and glam adorned the models as they strut designer’s art. These outrageous experiences are still quite memorable to this mom. However, never did I foresee a new fashion trend taking hold across the world’s dirtiest cities: designer air filtered face masks!
Creepy Face Masks That Scream Air Pollution
As air pollution increases across the globe, more people are seeking solutions to protect their lungs from crippling air quality. In Beijing, China, one of the world’s most air polluted cities, fashionable face masks have made their appearance on the runways, and in a not so subtle a way. The statement: We can co-exist with air pollution.
The first time I came across a picture of a woman wearing a face mask, the thought of Jason from the Friday the 13th American Halloween horror films came to mind. Covering over half the face while keeping the eyes uncovered, these masks make most people take a stunned second glance. However, the latest creepy looking masks claim to filter out 99% of smog particles from reaching the lungs. In places such as Utah, where I live, dirty air has become a part of our lives, and these scary looking face masks are appearing on citizens seeking relief from dirty air.
Family Face Masks
I purchased my first family set of face masks in January of 2014 during Utah’s winter inversion period. Silver masks for my children and black ones for the adults. This is not clothing that adorns. But my young family had spent a few weeks cooped up in our little home and I was looking for any solution to get us safely outdoors. When I’d heard face masks could give protection from poor air, I was delighted at the temporary relief they gave my children. And although these face masks were the oddest piece of clothing I’d ever dressed my sons in, at least it allowed them to go outside without getting sickened by smog particles in our air.
With the increasing energy consumption across the globe and our politicians inability to pass meaningful legislation, are face masks with air filters the fashion of our near future?
I hope not.