COVID-era catwalk 'Mask is the new normal' [PHOTOS]

Models wearing face masks wait in line during a fashion show amid the coronavirus pandemic in Seoul, Aug. 14. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

By Bae Eun-joo

Fashion is all about making a statement. And in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, where everyone is advised to wear face masks to curb the spread of the virus, the face mask has become an entirely new form of self-expression.The fashion world has quickly embraced and beautified the face coverings to express personal style without failing to adhere to protective guidelines.

Masked models dressed in hanbok are seen behind the stage at a mask fashion show in Seoul, Aug. 14. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

The "2020 Face Mask Fashion Show" was staged last Friday with the aim of creating a "contactless" fashion event amid the ongoing virus crisis which has put great strain on the industry.Staged in the bustling streets of Gangnam, synonymous with Seoul's trendsetting youth, the mask fashion show drew surprise attention from passersby who joined the audience to experience a feast for the eyes. Vibrant patterns of the masks matching to a range of outfits showed vivacity to the spectators tired of the dragged-out virus crisis.

Models wearing face masks pose on the runway during a fashion show amid the coronavirus pandemic in Seoul, Aug. 14. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

In celebration of National Liberation Day the next day, key motifs for the dresses at the show were drawn from familiar traditional Korean elements – hanbok (clothes), Hangeul (script), Taegukgi (national flag) and jokduri (women's coronet).The fashion world hopes to return to physical shows. Meanwhile, staff, models and guests have all received safety instruction to respect social distancing rules. Masks were compulsory backstage and for the audience.

A model wearing a face mask gets ready for a fashion show featuring masks amid the coronavirus pandemic in Seoul, Aug. 14. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Many people have felt masks are an unusual addition to our daily routines in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. Now, after nearly eight months since Korea saw its first COVID-19 positive case, masks feel like a part of our daily life as the virus crisis continues without any end in sight. And wearing a mask has definitely become the "new normal."

A model wearing a face mask poses during a mask fashion show amid the coronavirus pandemic in Seoul, Aug. 14. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

South Korea has recorded triple-digit increases in new coronavirus infections for the last few days, pushing up the total number of infections to over 15,700 and deaths to over 300. This has raised serious concerns over new outbreaks and fears that the pandemic may grow out of control. At the same time, the need for face masks has become more important than ever.

Wearing a mask can become more than just a collective responsibility by opting for the right print and design to suit one's own aesthetic. After all, the COVID-19 era has borne a new wardrobe essential -- the mask.

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