Fashion has always been a reflection of society and its current events. Its ever-changing cycle of trends mirror the major shifts in politics, culture and social norms happening. The fashion trends of the 1960s, where long loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabric, psychedelic prints and headbands were the norm, echoed the hippie and counterculture movement of the time. Its antithesis happened in the eighties with the punk movement and its studs and spikes leather jackets, as an aggressive reaction to the political upheaval and economic situation.

Fashion remains first and foremost a means of self-expression. Today, face masks have become a social norm and a necessity, serving as a protection from an invisible yet noxious virus. While there is much uncertainty surrounding the situation, it seems like masks will be sticking with us for a while. And fashion designers are playing an active part in producing face masks while giving back to the community. Of particular significance is Collina Strada, a New-York based brand created by Hillary Taymour. Apart from being a ready-to-wear collection notable for its vivid prints and fearlessly fluid attitude, Collina Strada is a platform for social issues and awareness. Their goal in the fashion industry is stated loud and clear “We are in a crucial state of change right now and the more we do the more we can impact others to take action.” As such, Taymour did not hesitate to jump on the opportunity to create face masks in collaboration with Charlie Engman and Tomihiro Kono by repurposing found objects, trims and fabrics that were available in their studios and donating the proceeds to charity. The quarantine collection consists of 44 one of a kind pieces. The result is unique, funky, playful and stylish. As a commodity of our everyday lives, face masks give room for self-expression, allowing us to explore new ways to express our identities, and make a statement, by looking different than it did before. In times of uncertainty and adversity comes creativity. Taymour’s friends, photographer Charlie Engman and model Sasha Melnychuck took some time in their quarantine sphere to seek beauty, create art and shoot creative and colourful images.