COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Fashion - CerealBox Studios, SupaSew, OliveAnkara
Mask Batik Blue (SGD $12.90) |
The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced large parts of our lives, from the way we live and work, to how we connect with others. Globally, the fashion industry has both supported the efforts of healthcare workers (through making masks, face shields, or personal protective equipment), and drawn inspiration for new designs, from the pandemic.
In Singapore, here are some creatives and fashion brands producing artisanal masks and clothing. While their products are not 100% virus-proof, they offer some protection while being stylish. Remember that practising good hygiene and staying home will help too!
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CerealBox Studios
https://www.cerealboxshop.com/product-category/tshirts/
Following the widely derided Virus Vanguard (Fake News Buster, Circuit Breaker, MAWA Man, Care-Leh Dee, Dr. Disinfector) concept in April 2020, many Singaporean creatives took to creating their own artwork to showcase the artistic sensibilities of the community. Artist Joshua Chiang of CerealBox Studios decided to create t-shirt products combining popular Singaporean foods and circuit breaker themes; resulting in the 'CB Foodies (Circuit Breaker Foodies)' series.
The CB Foodies - POFMA Papadum T-Shirt (SGD $29.90) product is inspired by the popular Indian snack Papadum, and POFMA. POFMA stands for 'Protection Against Falsehoods and Manipulation Act', and has been used by the government against perceived purveyors of fake news during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CB Foodies - POFMA Papadum T-Shirt (SGD $29.90) |
CB Foodies - POFMA Papadum T-Shirt |
CB Foodies - POFMA Papadum T-Shirt |
CB Foodies - POFMA Papadum T-Shirt |
The CB Foodies - Stay Home Ham Chim Bang T-Shirt (SGD $29.90) product is inspired by a popular Chinese snack called Ham Chim Bang (which has a salty version and a sweet version), and exhortation to remain at home. It represents the boredom of staying at home to flatten the curve, while being envious and frustrated by those who flout the rules.
CB Foodies - Stay Home Ham Chim Bang T-Shirt (SGD $29.90) |
CB Foodies - Stay Home Ham Chim Bang T-Shirt |
CB Foodies - Stay Home Ham Chim Bang T-Shirt |
CB Foodies - Stay Home Ham Chim Bang T-Shirt |
The CB Foodies - Mask Up Milo Dinosaur T-Shirt (SGD $29.90) product is inspired by a popular Malay beverage Milo Dinosaur, and the mandatory mask-wearing Singaporeans must adhere to at all times, so long as they are out of their homes.
CB Foodies - Mask Up Milo Dinosaur T-Shirt (SGD $29.90) |
CB Foodies - Mask Up Milo Dinosaur T-Shirt |
CB Foodies - Mask Up Milo Dinosaur T-Shirt |
CB Foodies - Mask Up Milo Dinosaur T-Shirt |
The CB Foodies - Sia Suay Soon Kueh T-Shirt (SGD $29.90) product is inspired by the popular Chinese snack called Soon Kueh (a large dumpling made with rice flour, bamboo shoots, Chinese turnip, dried Chinese mushrooms, and dried shrimps), and the embarrassing / face-palm / shameful behaviour of toilet paper hoarders, which was first noticed in Singapore, but subsequently discovered to be a common panic buying behaviour worldwide.
CB Foodies - Sia Suay Soon Kueh T-Shirt (SGD $29.90) |
CB Foodies - Sia Suay Soon Kueh T-Shirt |
CB Foodies - Sia Suay Soon Kueh T-Shirt |
CB Foodies - Sia Suay Soon Kueh T-Shirt |
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SupaSew
https://www.instagram.com/supasew/
Founded in April 2020, SupaSew is a small batch producer of hand made, sewn cloth masks. Their artisanal mask products are fashionable, vibrant, and elegant, with the option to incorporate additional disposable filters. Hand sewn within 3 days or less upon receipt of payment, and delivered across Singapore via post within the next week, these add a touch of glamour when heading out for essential items or work.
The Mask Camo Full (SGD $8.90) features a dual-layer full camouflage print on cloth, with string straps that loop comfortably around the ears. The hand sewn mask fits snugly over the nose and mouth, yet its pyramid shape allows for easy breathing. A bold statement piece for the urban jungle.
Mask Camo Full (SGD $8.90) |
Mask Camo Full |
Mask Camo Full |
Mask Camo Full |
The Mask Batik Blue (SGD $12.90) features a dual-layer blue batik print on cloth, with string straps that loop comfortably around the ears. The hand sewn mask fits snugly over the nose and mouth, yet its pyramid shape allows for easy breathing. An elegant and fashionable piece that pays homage to the national airline.
Mask Batik Blue (SGD $12.90) |
Mask Batik Blue |
Mask Batik Blue |
Mask Batik Blue |
The Mask Camo Half (SGD $9.90) features a layer of full camouflage print on cloth bordering the edges, a layer of rough dark green cloth in the center, with string straps that loop comfortably around the ears. The hand sewn mask fits snugly over the nose and mouth, yet its pyramid shape allows for easy breathing. Has an understated urban jungle look.
Mask Camo Half (SGD $9.90) |
Mask Camo Half |
The Mask Batik Red (SGD $12.90) features a dual-layer red batik print on cloth, with string straps that loop comfortably around the ears. The hand sewn mask fits snugly over the nose and mouth, yet its pyramid shape allows for easy breathing. A vibrant and fashionable piece that commands attention.
Mask Batik Red (SGD $12.90) |
Mask Batik Red |
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OliveAnkara
https://oliveankara.com/
Established in June 2017 by designer Ifeoma 'Ify' Ubby, OliveAnkara is a women's fashion (and occasional men's fashion) brand that blends traditional African wax print fabrics with modern Italian designs. Known for their versatile and unique designs that celebrate beauty and life, they started creating 100% wax print cotton masks in April 2020. Their reversible and fashionable mask products are made with upcycled fabric cut-offs, and 10% of the revenue is donated to local charities helping migrant workers and Singaporeans in need.
Mask Donation Note |
The Mask 292 (SGD $19) features 100% wax print cotton fabric, in a knife pleat shape, with elastic straps that fit snugly around the ears. There is a pocket where you can fit an additional surgical mask for higher protection. Made to be breathable, reusable, washable, and reversible, the eye-catching mask has a golden yellow base, offset by juniper green, black, and white patterns. A striking piece.
Mask 292 (SGD $19) |
Mask 292 |
Mask 292 |
Mask 292 |
The Mask 199 (SGD $19) features 100% wax print cotton fabric, in a knife pleat shape, with elastic straps that fit snugly around the ears. There is a pocket where you can fit an additional surgical mask for higher protection. Made to be breathable, reusable, washable, and reversible, the eye-catching mask has a azure blue base, offset by pumpkin orange, and black patterns. A sophisticated piece.
Mask 199 (SGD $19) |
Mask 199 |
Mask 199 |
Mask 199 |
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Disclaimer: I am an actual customer of all the brands listed here, and paid in full for everything featured.
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