The one thing that will certainly outlive the corona crisis is, the humble mask. Masks, till recently, were inconsequential pieces of drab paperoid-cloth that doctors and their staff wore in the operating rooms and ICUs.
They gave their wearers a grave deportment of warriors confronting dreadful disease and death. An occasional appearance on faces on municipal sanitary workers, more or less, completed the picture.
Corona has given the mask a new lease of, possibly eternal, life. The mankind, as also the womankind, will now have to willy-nilly incorporate this artefact in their countenance. Ladies, being naturally smarter, have converted this ostensible cosmetic blemish into a roaring opportunity.
A mask which, since the advent of surgical hygiene, was only a crude device to prevent infections in malodorous Operating rooms, has now acquired its place under the sun in form of a style-statement.
A mask, due to its size, location and prominence, is an absolute delight to match with. For the more subtly inclined ladies a mere matching eyeliner delivers a striking statement.
It invites instant attention from the eye of the beholder. A fine enhancement of the impact can be achieved by wearing a matching eyeshadow. A beholder’s delight, again.
This world is full of not-so-keen observers and therefore the scale of matching may have to be raised a notch to match one’s attire.
While the proponents of western dressing theme have tried to match masks with their skirts and trousers and palazzos and stockings, an equally eye-catching ensemble has emerged by wearing matching Sarees and churidars (narrow pyjamas). In these clement times a scarf is an elegant accessory whose grace gets significantly elevated with a matching mask.
Ladies today have a great taste for handicrafts and not surprisingly masks too have witnessed the influence of this trend. Fine hand-embroidery in an intricate design, studded with polished Swarovskis, makes it impossible to take your eyes off. That the embroidered finery also builds a more credible barrier for bacteria has also been put forth as the scientific basis for the elaborate exercise.
Sartorial trends gain ground rapidly and soon your style becomes commonplace. That’s when the feminine ingenuity manifests and mask-strings find an echo in her earrings. Buttons and beads and braids of slender strings guide the choice of a coordinated ear-wear.
While the ladies have found this new accessory a brilliant prospect, we men, always behind the curve, are struggling to keep masks from interfering with our nasal bristles. Not only does the resulting friction result in an intolerable itch but it also triggers violent sneezing at most inopportune times.
More worn the mask, the smoother is its inner surface. Understandably, its potential to tickle diminishes proportionately and brings a great deal of relief. However, its clear benefits notwithstanding, an old worn mask is a terrible advertisement of one’s personality.
Those of us with a moustache have their problems compounded. Moustaches tend to move rather vigorously while talking and this brings them into direct confrontation with a sagging mask. This worsens the sag of the mask and the spirit of the man.
It is a constant battle to keep the mask up while there is a persistent drag down. This drag traps the mask-folds between the lips and the resultant tangle is rather messy. Ladies opt for smart customised cloth masks while men can be seen with those dull disposable ones that hang asymmetrically.
This universe owes a great deal to enterprising minds who can convert any challenge into an opportunity. Rumours are rife that Guccis and Pradas of the world working feverishly to launch a mask-line in the coming fashion season. They have already hired the finest minds in business to unmask the true potential of the humble mask.
While the mask promises to contribute to the haute couture, the not-so-fashionable frumpish kind have chosen to emphasise its hygienic potential. Fragrant Masks in Lemon Eucalyptus, lavender rosemary and spicy spearmint flavours are currently under manufacture.
These mask-men have killed two obvious birds with a lone stone. Not only do these aromatic accoutrements block bad breath, they also bestow a fruity aura to the wearer.
Dr Rakesh Maggon is a Dubai-based specialist ophthalmologist with an interest in literature
