Meath designer creates bespoke sustainable face masks for blushing brides
A fashion designer is creating bespoke sustainable face masks for brides-to-be to match their wedding gowns and says she has been inundated with requests from women all over the world wanting to get their hands on the ultimate functional fashion accessory.
Asta Jakubson from Dunshaughlin, Co Meath says she has been rushed off her feet producing custom made masks for women who want to protect themselves and their guests while also looking their best on their big day.
The talented Lithuanian born fashionista who was just one of ten international designers selected to showcase their work at Paris Fashion last year is also creating haute couture masks to go with her handmade designer ensembles.
“I’m sending orders all over Ireland and have been getting requests from people as far away as America," she said. “I can't keep up with the requests.
"Face masks are the future of fashion now that this is our new normal and women will be buying them like they would buy any other kind of accessory to go with an outfit.
“I’ve started creating bridal masks to go with wedding dresses that I hand-make for brides as well. I think they look really beautiful but also they are something that is needed from a health point of view.
“I design and create the masks in every colour and print you can think of and to make them look prettier and trendier I add diamantes, smiley faces and hearts. For brides I can add pearls or lace too.
“They’re obviously functional, but I think they can be uplifting. When people see me with my smiley-faced ones they give me a smile back and I think that’s contagious and brings out the good feeling."
Ms Jakubson said whatever is going on in the world, girls still want to look stylish and have that bit of fashion every day: “Who knows how long we will need to wear masks for so we may as well embrace it.“
As well as being an essential health accessory and trendy addition to your wardrobe, these reusable masks are also good for the environment as the designer explains: “The material is made from natural fibre so they are breathable. I use cotton, cotton denim, flannel and linen.
“They are reusable and washable and you will have them forever whereas everyday people are binning hundreds of thousands of disposable ones. Imagine how many go into the planet every single day. It results in huge damage for nature and the environment.
“It’s important to look after yourself and look after nature."
Asta who has a studio in Dunshaughlin and hails from a long line of seamstresses in her home country is also keen to highlight that all her masks are made using materials from local suppliers.
“We should look after our economy particularly now. That is why I am buying all the materials from Irish suppliers, let’s support each other during such an uncertain time for local businesses.
“It’s more important now to look after our own people.”
