by Jade Rhode
Be hygienic… But make it fashion. Many local and international celebs showed off their masks during the midst of the pandemic last year – be it the ones you can get from your local pharmacy or custom-made, they made it work!
I’m sure that it’s been drilled into our heads already that face masks are compulsory when leaving our homes. This is not only to protect ourselves from contracting the dreaded COVID-19, but to also prevent others from being exposed to the virus. At the time of writing this article, a total of more than 1.6 million confirmed cases have been recorded in our country, with close to 55 000 deaths. These unfortunate numbers should encourage us to look after ourselves and those surrounding us.
At the beginning of the global pandemic, we saw many of our favourite celebs don masks that (obviously) complimented their outfits. As the months went by, this “trend” started to fade away. Hopefully it will be brought back to encourage us once again to wear our masks as our country enters a third wave. Let’s reminisce as we look at some of our local and international celebrities who posted their fashionable mask pictures on Instagram last year.
Without looking at the name, can you guess the television personality, rapper and businesswoman hiding behind the mask and shades? If you guessed correctly, give yourself a pat on the back! The celebrity is indeed Boitumelo Thulo – famously known as Boity. The local celeb who hails from Potchefstroom in the North West can be seen wearing a black Chanel face mask. Not only does Boity own her throne, she owns her look too in what she refers to as “The New Normal.”
Quavo, who is one third of the Grammy-nominated rap trio Migos, rocked a custom-made mask shown here on his Instagram account. The mask of course has Huncho printed on it, along with pink and blue flames.
Can you expect anything less from Somgaga? The Idols SA judge and choreographer can be seen wearing an extravagant gold suit that conveniently matches his mask. Let’s not forget to mention Somizi’s red-bottom heels! This outfit definitely gets a “wuuu shem!” In the caption of the photo that was uploaded on 14 June 2020, the Sarafina! star boasts “Ok I think I now know I’m not here to play yazi… If I have to say so myself… Today’s shoot was super amazing… My team came strong shemmmmm my glam squad is goals.” I don’t know about you, but Somizi and the team definitely brought it!
Besides being known for playing the role of Hannah Montana and releasing hits like Wrecking Ball and We Can’t Stop, Miley Cyrus is also known for having her tongue stuck out. So, if we can’t see a tongue, why not have one attached to a mask? The singer and activist is seen posing for the Wall Street Journal with a Miley-esque mask with the caption “Category is: Wear a mask for the safety of yourself and others… but make it fashion!”
Rapper and television presenter Moozlie knows how to rock it when shopping for essentials. Moozlie – who’s real name is Nomuzi Mabena – showed us that you don’t need a fancy-looking mask to look fabulous and fashionable. All you need is a colour-coordinated fit and confidence! Posted on Day 5 of lockdown (wow, such a looong time ago), the rapper can also be seen rocking a fresh face and braids. Custom-made mask or not, Moozlie looked amazing!
Due to the Met Ball being cancelled last year, fashion designer Vera Wang decided to dedicate this post (and a few others) to the annual fashion event. The 70-year-old (Yes! You read that correctly) former Vogue editor paired an orange mask and leg-revealing dress with black shorts and heels. Vera also donned a Chanel necklace to go with the two-coloured outfit. #VeraWangGang all the way!
Social media personality and YouTube star Lasizwe slayed in his Instagram photo taken in a clothing store. The @lasizwe star opted for a mask mirror selfie with friend and Blood and Water actress Natasha Thahane. In the above post, Lasizwe captioned the photo saying, “When one friend goes blonde, we all go blonde!” Did you love this blonde look on Lasizwe?
Lady Gaga is no stranger to “out of the ordinary.” The singer and actress donned light pink hair with a pink Chromatica mask which included spikes around the edges. A true Lady Gaga style. It’s safe to say that this custom-made mask will absolutely keep people one metre away! Chromatica is the title of Lady Gaga’s latest album, which includes the hit Rain on Me featuring Ariana Grande.
Proud Capetonian and award-winning rapper YoungstaCPT posted a picture on Instagram wearing his Y?GEN Apparel mask, a brand managed by Youngsta and three other people. Y?GEN described itself as “a movement that represents creatives who want to gain experience in the industry.” On the brand’s website, it also stated that “The name Y?GEN stems from the Y-Generation which is known for instant gratification – and the fact that they want things now, and if they don’t get it then there is the question of WHY.” Be a part of the Y?GEN and support local.
Supermodel Cindy Crawford showed us that she is still able to work it for the camera! Cindy was pictured outdoors in a matching multi-coloured blouse and mask made by the brand Le Superbe. The supermodel is the mother of Kaia Gerber, who followed in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a model and fast becoming a household name.