Wearing face masks in public has been made mandatory in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, even as we enter Phase One of safe-reopening measures. While it has given rise to a new wave of creative expressions—brands and private individuals have taken to creating their own washable masks in a myriad of patterns and colours—the stylistically foolproof version is still the plain black, washable iterations that the Singaporean government have been handing out.
It's fair to say that not many of us would bother to coordinate our outfits with a different mask every day of the week, like United States of America's Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has.
That's where accessories and what we choose to wear matters. Especially now that face masks have become de riguer, a strong statement piece can draw attention away from the obvious reminder that things aren't that 'normal' any longer. Enter Louis Vuitton's 1.1 Millionaires sunglasses—a strong contender in not only the luxury eyewear space, but also a statement piece that isn't visually loud. Designed in a black acetate frame, the details on the sunglasses echo Louis Vuitton's quality craftsmanship and are done in gold for maximum high-contrast effect. But it's the signature S-lock hinges located at each temple that seals the deal—a nod to Louis Vuitton's heritage that's been cleverly translated as a branded detail.
The Louis Vuitton 1.1 Millionaires sunglasses will set you back SGD1,290 per piece. It is quite expensive for a pair of sunglasses, but seeing how it can be considered an investment piece that's versatile (everything goes with black and gold), it's something one would definitely be wearing often.
If you're not about to spend that amount of money to complement your mask-wearing look of the day, here are five other ways to spend SGD1,290.
Cotton twill bonnet cap by Burberry (SGD740 each)
Burberry's The Handmaid's Tale-esque cap is quite an accessory happenstance. While it isn't the sort of medical grade personal protective equipment, wearing this with a face mask on might do more to shield you from droplets than depending on just a the latter for protection.
Baroque pearl necklace by Ann Demeulemeester (approximately SGD515 each via MATCHESFASHION)
It's hard to not be distracted by jewellery, no matter how dainty or small they may be. This particular pearl necklace by Ann Demeulemeester comes with an adjustable hook so you can raise the pendant up as close to your chin as possible so that the face mask isn't the first thing someone else sees up close.
Acetate sunglasses by Loewe (SGD480 each)
Loewe's collaboration with Paula's Ibiza returns with new iterations of its now-signature sunglasses. They're of a rather peculiar design that seems to elongate the wearer's face sideways and makes them look somewhat chameleon-like; consider your mask, unseen.
Cotton T-shirt by Craig Green (SGD280 via Dover Street Market Singapore)
If a necklace isn't your thing, Craig Green's laced-up T-shirt may be more your speed. The characteristically Craig Green detail is a brilliant way of decorating the neck area without actually wearing any additional accessory. Less is more, and when you're already wearing an accessory (the mask), this is a win.
Linen and cotton bucket hat by Folk (approximately SGD78 via Mr Porter)
Folk's collaboration with British artist Alfie Kungu is a painterly masterpiece translated onto a bucket hat. The cotton and linen construction assures comfort and breathability, while that vibrant print is sure to score you style points just on risk-factor alone. And what a happy-looking piece too!
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