YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MELBOURNE-MADE FACE MASKS

It’s lockdown 2.0, and Melbournites need to band together right now (figuratively, of course). With particularly those in service-based industries and creative industries suffering heavily, many have turned to creating and selling the most in-demand product in the city right now - face masks.

There are a huge number of benefits in buying from these vendors, not least of which is reducing your impact on the environment by opting for reusable rather than disposable masks. You can also avoid contributing to what is likely poor working conditions in unsafe factory settings, big corporates who are already capitalising off of the pandemic, and support local and ethically made small business at the same time.

So without further ado, here are some choice creatives right here in Victoria who deserve your coin;

Penny Drop

Self described as ‘PG rated fetishism, pink until you pop’, Penny Drop items are unique and standout artworks in and of themselves. I’ve been a long-time fan of Penny Drop and the talented designer behind it, and actually have my own mask from here. 3x, 2x and 1x layered options available in a combination of fabrics including wool and denim, and best of all - fun prints like eggs and sad cats to capture your iso essence.


Price: $20 + $3 shipping AU wide (or get in touch to work something out if you can’t afford)
Instagram: @pennydrop
How to purchase: Browse masks in story highlights and DM to purchase

Moosedoll

Stylist, artist, designer behind Filfy Rish and all-round creative firework Hayley aka Moosedoll has made some of the coolest upcycled masks on the market. She’s not taking new orders for now, but I had to include her on the off chance she opens up for orders again - they’re all one-offs, zero waste and upcycled. And just look at the Pocari sweat one. Just look at it.

Price: TBC
Instagram: @moosedoll
How to purchase: Cross your fingers and pray they’ll come back into production

Buttonfox

What happens when high-quality, handmade labels start making masks? Cute and genuinely comfy stuff, that’s what. Buttonfox face masks are made completely adjustable and are sized to accomodate any different face shape, with 3 layers and the outermost made of a deliciously soft and fluffy-looking polyester minky. Get to know the team of two better by tuning into their Twitch channel and watching them work their handcrafted magic on these made-to-order masks.

Price: $20
Instagram: @btnfox
How to purchase: Head to their website here

Ariane Bingham

Not for the faint of heart, these masks exist to bring a little extra sparkle into the day-to-day mundane routine of quarantine. Ariane Bingham’s zero waste studio uses fabric offcuts from previous collections to create these unique sequinned masks, as well as some more intricate Steampunk-inspired designs. Snag yourself a matching set while you’re at it, so your wardrobe is ready for festival season once it makes its (eventual) return.

Price: $18 - $38.25
Instagram: @ariane_bingham_sparkles
How to purchase: Head to their website here

JUDE

Design by Jude focuses on ethically made unisex garments, featuring organic textures and beautifully draping layers and silhouettes. Similarly, their face masks are premium minimalist designs made in all-natural fibres, with options to customise to your unique face shape for the perfect fit. If you’re looking to go the #MonochromeMelbourne route, modern artisan fashion by Jude is the way to go.

Price: $30 - $36
Instagram: @designbyjude
How to purchase: Head to their website here

R E M U S E

With design concepts focusing on the intersection of nature and futurism, R E M U S E garments are natural, flowy and ethereal in their fit - so it’s no wonder their face masks are similarly stunning. Made with 100% natural fibres and GOTS Certified Organic Cotton thread, a standout feature of the brand is their commitment to using plant-based textiles and being ethically hand-dyed right out of their Collingwood studio.

Price: $19 - $25
Instagram: @remusedesigns
How to purchase: Head to their website here

SuRAIYA Lorenz

Melbourne Art Director Suraiya Lorenz is creating face masks with an oxymoronic twist - they have a zip running through them. With all proceeds going towards the COVID-19 Victorian First Nations Mutual Aid Fund, Sue’s Zip It Face Masks were conceptualised around the idea of listening and learning from First Nations people who have been affected for generations by the systemic effects of colonisation. They also come with a luxe velvet drawstring pouch - adorable.

Price: $20
Instagram: @suelorenz
How to purchase: DM on Instagram or purchase here

CHATTING WITH MARISA MU

Where functionality, craftsmanship and original design meet, you will find Marisa Mu's vibrant and mesmerising bags and clutches. The thoughtful Sydney-based designer packs careful handiwork and unique technique into each item, using a studio-based process to create each 100% Italian cowhide piece. Having collaborated with a number of creatives and working in Melbourne Fashion Week, Marisa's journey is one to pay close attention to.

Tell us about your background in design and how you first became inspired to start your line;

I always knew I wanted to be an artist when I was a little girl but wasn't sure what creative direction I would eventually undertake. After finishing high school, I was adamant I wanted to be working within the textiles industry and after studying a degree within Design at COFA - my love for pattern design and working with the tactile quality of leather became a true obsession. That was a turning point for me when I made the connection between the love I have for colourful abstract patterning and the unique nature of leather skin. Playing with colours and textures and the changing nature of leather is what inspired me to undergo my current practice of creating unique colourful leather goods that are proudly Australian-made. I also knew from a young age that I was not going to be the type of person that could live a life of routine where I worked in an office doing the 9-5 for the next 40 or so years. Starting my creative practice enabled me to channel my energies into something that was giving me a sense of purpose and fed my creative soul and sanity. I see creativity and art as a therapeutic practice for me and I have overcome plenty of personal hardships because I turned to what I love most - creating art. I believe too many of us don't take that leap of committing to do something for ourselves - that is the core underlying reason behind why I decided to just bite the bullet and start my own line. 

Your designs are quite a playful take on elements like shape, texture and colour - tell us about your creative process, and how your designs manifest; 

My creative process is very organic and revolves predominantly around colour. The power of colour and the way in which hues and contrasting colours create an abstract wonderland is what I strive to achieve within my work. I chase the feeling of knowing I have created a wonderful colour combination and then allow the colours to bleed within one another and create their own special story. Working with leather is amazing as the skin itself had its own story - a past life that is now undergoing the process of becoming recreated and then forwarded to a new forever home. I use premium Italian cowhide and the beautiful textures make for a perfect contrasting canvas for the fluid aesthetic of the patterns. It is about creating sentimental pieces that hold layers of beauty and wonder.

Is there a specific piece from your collection that is your own personal favourite? 

I go through phases and each design has held title of 'favourite' at some point. I am currently in the 'Smokey Camo' phase as the colours are a bit more muted from the usual bright and bold patterns. It's understated but still very much a statement piece. I will be releasing this pattern as a Bucket Bag style by the end of the week which is very exciting!

You place a particular emphasis on functionality and practicality as well as style in your products; tell us about your vision to incorporate both aspects in your work;

Leather goods are seen as a long lasting investment. They stand the test of time due to the tactile and durable quality of being a skin - the colourful artworks are a reflection of how I perceive what is around me - colourful beauty. I want to implement my love for colour and pattern with simple silhouettes and bags that hold your daily essentials. I want to keep the bags simple and to not be excessive - it is about being a canvas for the artworks that we integrate within our daily lives. I strive to create long lasting works of art that we choose to carry with us. Something that brightens our days but also hold a key role of protecting and holding our valuables. It is a simple vision but a deeply soulful one. 

If your label was a song - which song would it be? 

It would be 'True Colours' by Kasey Chambers. I believe the spirit of my brand revolves around being someone that is individual, strong minded and colourful. I want my brand to be an embodiment of who I am and to empower others to be a statement maker within their everyday. To show your true colours, and to not be afraid to do so.