Louis Vuitton's Monogram Face Shield Screams Style For The Social Distancing Era
Nobody excels at turning an everyday object into a longed-after luxury better than Louis Vuitton. With thousand-dollar dumbbells, playing cards, and a Jenga set (excuse us, Monogram Tower) already among the ranks of its not-so-ordinary offerings, the French house has just unveiled its latest splurge-worthy commodity: high-fashion headgear, dubbed the LV Shield.
Part of the Maison’s Cruise 2021 collection, the hyper-luxe face shield features an elasticated strap that wraps around your head and a clear plastic visor, both of which are adorned with the iconic LV Monogram, held together by gilded studs stamped with the house logo. Working double duty, the photochromatic visor can be flipped up to transform into a cap, which blocks out UV rays via transition lens technology that reacts to different light conditions. Slated for release at the end of October, the LV Shield will reportedly retail for USD 961 (approximately SGD 1,308).
If you’re planning on snapping up a piece for yourself, it’s important to remember that wearing a face mask when out and about is still mandatory, save for specific situations and groups of people. You can wear the LV Shield over a mask for additional protection, though, and of course, for the fashion credentials as well.
Louis Vuitton isn’t the only major marque proposing a chic take on PPE, either (although it is the first to come up with a face shield). A few weeks ago, Burberry made headlines when it announced the launch of its own face masks, complete with the Vintage check pattern in beige and blue colourways. Crafted from revalued fabric and enhanced with Particle Filtration Efficiency thanks to the antimicrobial technology HeiQ Viroblock, the British label’s masks not only help to keep you and others safe, but also assists communities in need, as 20 per cent of sales go to the Burberry Foundation COVID-19 Community Fund.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Heritage houses and rising brands alike have tossed their hats (or masks) into the ring, with certain styles even rivalling It bags and shoes as status signifiers. According to the latest Lyst Index, the demand for designer face masks increased by 441 per cent in the second quarter of 2020 — topping the list in popularity are the versions by Marine Serre and Off-White, which have been spotted on Angelina Jolie, Rita Ora, and the like.
Created in collaboration with Swedish brand Airinum, this limited edition mask comes in Marine Serre’s emblematic crescent moon print, and provides 98 per cent Particle Filtration Efficiency, similar to that of the N95. All proceeds will be donated to the organisation 1% for the Planet.
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Understated and affordable with a pure cotton construction that offers one-size-fits-all ease, it’s no wonder this Off-White mask is a sell-out success.
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Sustainably made from overstock fabric, Erdem’s face mask is a dreamy floral delight, and includes a built-in pocket and removable filter. 100 per cent of net profits from sales will go to the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal.
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This special edition design was imagined by model Sasha Melnychuk on behalf of the New York label, and promises to add a burst of joy to your everyday with its oversized bows and quirky prints.
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Only upcycled textiles are used in this breathable and reusable mask, which showcases a lush hibiscus print evocative of a tropical getaway.
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