Saturday Style: Remember Face Mask?
- Faiz Faisal
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Most Outrageous Face Masks of the Pandemic Era: Fashion Over Function?
Five years ago, the world was hit by a pandemic that changed daily life as we knew it. One of the most visible symbols of this era? The face mask. What started as a simple protective measure quickly became a fashion statement, thanks to celebrities and designers who turned masks into must-have accessories.
But did these stylish masks actually work? Some were undeniably chic, but others… well, let’s just say they prioritized looks over safety. Here’s a look back at some of the most outrageous face masks celebrities wore during the pandemic—did they serve their purpose, or were they just for show?
1. Lana Del Rey’s Rhinestone Face Mask
Lana Del Rey has always embraced vintage glamour, and her pandemic style was no exception. She was spotted wearing a bedazzled, rhinestone-covered face mask that looked straight out of Old Hollywood. While it definitely matched her aesthetic, experts questioned whether the tiny gaps between the gems provided any real protection.
Fashionable? Absolutely.
Functional? Probably not.
2. Billie Eilish’s Custom Burqa-Inspired Mask
Billie Eilish, known for her bold fashion choices, stepped out in a custom black face covering that resembled a burqa, complete with a mesh panel over her eyes. While it made a statement, health officials pointed out that mesh masks don’t filter airborne particles effectively. Still, it was a memorable look that sparked conversations about personal style during a crisis.
Fashionable? Edgy and unique.
Functional? Not by CDC standards.
3. Lady Gaga’s Futuristic Mask Collection
Leave it to Lady Gaga to turn a public health necessity into high fashion. She wore everything from a metallic, sculptural mask to a custom crystal-encrusted design by Iris van Herpen. Some of her masks were actually functional (like her custom respirators), but others seemed more suited for a sci-fi movie than virus protection.
Fashionable? Avant-garde masterpiece.
Functional? Some yes, some… definitely not.
Honorable Mentions: Other Questionable Celebrity Mask Choices
Kanye West’s All-Black Balaclava – More ski-mask than surgical mask.
Doja Cat’s Glitter Mask – Fun for Instagram, bad for airflow.
Pharrell’s Giant Chrome Mask – More like a fashion prop than PPE.
Did These Masks Actually Work?
While these celebrity looks were undeniably creative, most health experts agreed that the best masks were the simple, well-fitted ones made from multiple layers of tightly woven fabric (or certified respirators). Fashion-forward designs with gaps, mesh, or excessive embellishments often failed to provide proper protection.
The Takeaway:
The pandemic may have pushed face masks into the fashion spotlight, but not all trendy designs were effective. Still, these outrageous styles gave us a fascinating glimpse into how even a global crisis couldn’t stop celebrities from making a statement.
What was the wildest face mask you saw during the pandemic? Let us know in the comments!
Comments