Audacious Celebrity Mask Moments That Prove PPE Can't Put A Damper On Style

It’s 2020, and face masks are not just a necessity, they’re also hands down the hottest fashion accessory. Sure, wearing a mask may be mandatory when you’re out and about, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and look good doing it.

While many of us have stuck to the surgical or government-issued masks in monochrome colours, it wasn’t long before local and international labels began to put their own stylish twist on this now-essential wardrobe item, with monograms, prints, and florals galore. And now, another trend has emerged, in which masks seem to be increasingly imbued with a sense of originality, audacity, and even downright eccentricity — cue the diamond-encrusted, white gold interpretation by Yvel, Gypsy Sport’s beaded chainmail version, and 69’s ruffled denim “face curtain”.

As with other fashion trends, celebrities are leading the way in quirky territory, having debuted some pretty eyebrow-raising takes on PPE in the last few months. From Lady Gaga’s digital mask at the 2020 VMAs to Lizzo’s pineapple print PanKini, keep reading for a roundup of six celebrities and their most OTT mask moments.

Lizzo’s outspoken personality goes hand-in-hand with her penchant for bold, flamboyant outfits. The singer and rapper didn’t disappoint when she shared a series of steamy poolside photos on social media, clad in a cheerfully pink PanKini from Thick By Robyn — a matching set of pineapple-patterned bikini, face mask, and gloves.

No drab face mask will do for this pop princess. Grande recently took to Instagram to share her latest Ari-approved find: a bedazzled mask covered in sparkling rhinestones by Get Stonned, which she paired with Alo Yoga activewear and ombré pigtails.

Nigerian television presenter and actress Ada Afoluwake Ogunkeye (aka Folu Storms) demonstrated that protective gear doesn’t put a damper on glamour at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, opting for a blinged-out version decorated in large iridescent crystals that harmonised perfectly with her stunning dress.  

The Venice Film Festival is still underway, but we’ve already found our favourite red carpet looks, courtesy of the ever-elegant Tilda Swinton. The recipient of this year’s Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement Award, Swinton accented her couture ensembles with a couple of exquisite, handheld gold masks.

Reminiscent of those worn at the Carnevale di Venezia, the custom pieces were crafted by British-born, Reykjavík-based designer James Merry, who cited stingray skeletons, seaweed, orchids, and the aquatic sculptures of the Rialto Fish Market as his inspiration. Technically, these ornate accoutrements don’t provide protection against COVID-19, but they do send a pandemic-appropriate message, and will be auctioned off to benefit Facing History and UN Women.

The accolades wouldn’t stop raining on Lady Gaga at the recently-concluded 2020 MTV VMAs, where the Mother Monster took home an impressive total of five trophies that included the inaugural Tricon Award. But we think Gaga also deserves a prize for her dedication to safety and respect for others, not only wearing, but performing with a mask on throughout the socially-distanced ceremony — or in this case, six different ones.

Lady Gaga kicked things off on the red carpet with a fishbowl-like face shield by Conrad Muscarella, which she then swapped out for a hot pink, alien-inspired latex mask from Violet Vargas, followed by a Lance Victor Moore design with elephantine tusks. Commanding the stage with a medley of Chromatica songs such as ‘Enigma’, ‘911’, and ‘Rain on Me’, Gaga chose a custom digital face mask with flashing LED lights, the work of a team of artist engineers known as Smooth Technology (you might recognise their handiwork from Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour). Yet another outfit change saw the pop icon don a shimmering Maison Met iteration, finished off with her post-show appearance in a spiked variation with dangling chain links from Michael Ngo. We wouldn’t have expected anything less powerful from Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.

The daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, and a musician with several film credits to her name, Scout was spotted taking a stroll around L.A. in cutoff denim shorts and a breezy blouse, topped off by a bright pink mask with white fringing overtop.