The New Normal in Fashion: Stylish Essentials That Protect

Most parts of the world are slowly going back to their regular daily routine after months of staying at home due to COVID-19 pandemic. The new way of life calls for a totally different and new approach in the way we address our clothing needs.

In response, fashion houses and clothing brands around the world are fast producing new offerings for consumers. It is note-worthy that there’s still no vaccine yet against the terrifying virus, so it goes without saying that all of us are responsible in taking good care of ourselves and the people around us as we storm the outside world.

While we at Style Visionary Network understand and respect some people who are still not comfortable seeing the new normal in all aspects of life including fashion (see: hate on actress/fashion influencer Heart Evangelista’s PPE fashion statements), it is best to start accepting that there is a new way of life to face and conquer, and we have to keep in mind that people who overcome challenges in life are those that adapt to changes, stat.

With our country’s rules and regulations during this GCQ, it is pretty obvious that face masks are not just basic staples these days, but a requirement. And these masks are required not for your personal style, but for your literal protection against the invisible, life-threatening disease . But that does not mean that masks, or any other protective clothes should make you totally abandon your need to look and feel good about your clothing and style choices. From face masks, to sun visors, to PPE suits— here are some of the daily protective essentials you can wear in style, as brought to you by our local style visionaries, fashion houses and clothing brands:

Personal Protective Apparel Online is one of the clothing brands born out of the need for stylish protective ensembles in this time of pandemic. Visit the website and you can tell right away that the suits are made with well-thought craftsmanship and thoughtful protective materials. This super chic jumpsuit features crew-neck collar, short sleeves for comfort, front velcro closure, chest pocket, and is made of water repellant microfibre.

Most of the offerings at the Personal Protective Apparel web store are sold in ensembles or sets, which is why this unisex jumpsuit comes with belt/sling bag when you purchase it at ₱1,750.00. Shipping fees are added once you check out. You may order at www.personalprotectiveapparel.online.

Sought-after Filipino fashion designer Mark Bumgarner took a little break from creating couture masterpieces as he recently launched his new collection dubbed as The Armor Project online. This selection of stylish protective suits makes for edgy yet chic looks, with design and materials for added protection from the virus. Bumgarner’s Mamba and Rocket hoodie sets are streetwear masterpieces, that do respond to your protection needs. The designer’s muse and good friend Heart Evangelista is one of the first adaptive fashionistas to acknowledge that The Armor Project by Mark Bumgarner signifies the new wave of style needs that respond to our new normal.

If you dig a more practical approach to protective dressing, Filipino clothing brand Kamiseta‘s PPE Dresses might be more appealing to your liking.

If you want a more feminine approach in your protective fashion statement, this wrap-around dress as seen on Heart Evangelista is comfy chic and ladylike, and it comes with a cute hood, and it is made with water-resistant fabric.

If you are more into functional choice with street style sensibilities, this pants and jacket ensemble from Kamiseta is also a good bet. They come in statement-making colors like orange, green, blue and pink, to name a few.

If you are a medical practitioner or frontliner, you need more of a medical-grade PPE suit, and if you want it a little sleek, then this blue jumpsuit also from Kamiseta is a nice choice. You may order online via www.kamiseta.com.

PPE outfits are not the only ones that can offer you protection in this time of health scare. A simple sun visor that can protect your eyes, nose and mouth is already a big help. This feminine protective head accessory is from resort accessories line called Island Girl Philippines. This Filipino brand takes pride in its 30 years of export experience, as well as its brand identity of highlighting the abundance of natural materials found in Cebu and its neighboring islands. You may cop this sun visor with tropical aesthetic at www.islandgirl.ph.com.

Face masks are basic necessities these days, and Regatta, a well-known leisure fashion line has created two-ply reusable face masks that come in plain colors. Each mask has a bit of a nautical twist, which is what the brand is known for. The masks feature a contoured shape for a snug fit, soft earloops so your ears stay comfortable, and a pocket where you can insert filters for an extra layer of protection. They come in three colors blue stone, black, and navy blue.  You may shop these practical and stylish reusable face masks at Regatta’s Facebook page or at Regatta’s official website.

If you’re looking for a reusable, washable face mask with 7 times more effectivity at filtration and protection, our own abaca-made face masks from Catanduanes can cater to your needs.

Teresita Fernandez Sebastian, a local crafter at Ody’s Home Crafts in Catanduanes, designs reusable face masks that use abaca fiber. Abaca has been found to be seven times more effective at filtration and protection than cloth masks, based on a test by the Department of Science and Technology .

You can send a message to Teresita Fernandez Sebastian’s Facebook page or text your orders thru 0950-979-8073. Each piece costs P20, while wholesale order of one dozen is at P18 per piece. Ody’s Home Crafts is open to shipping outside Catanduanes as soon as transport services normalize.

The Fashion Hospital by Kirby Cruz in Sta. Cruz, Manila is now accepting pre-orders for its P.P.E. bunny suits. The designer is offering high quality PPE suits with pants-type of hoodies. These suits are washable and reusable, as well as stretchable to suit all body types. The fashion atelier also offers high quality face masks. For orders, you may message the studio’s Facebook page here.

This stylish PPE suit in lilac color is from Newniform PH, the newest brainchild of Filipino fashion designer Yong Davalos. This brand calls this stylish medical-grade PPEs “the new OOTD”, and rightfully so as the features of these suits truly can give you protection in this time of COVID-19, in style. The suits come in different playful and classy colors, and made with protective materials. This set comes with a mask at 650 pesos. You may order through the brand’s Instagram account here.

Remember, prevention is better than cure, folks! And these stylish PPE outfits and accessories are new fashion essentials that can help protect you from the virus. Gear up your protective clothes and accessories, be extra careful and have strength as you make your way into your new version of normal life!