Only weeks after experts revealed the benefits of face masks against Covid-19, the market started to flood with varieties that promised to protect wearers, while also helping them stand out in a crowd.
From delicate versions made of silk and satin, to ornate sequin-encrusted coverings and logo-branded shields, we’ve just about seen it all. Well, almost.
With the coverings here to stay, the latest pandemic fashion trend to arise is the face mask chain. The idea is simple: much like for your glasses, these chains are attached to the ear loops of a face mask, so it can hang around your neck when you remove it.
It's not exactly a new idea. In the summer of 2020, many realised they could easily repurpose said glasses chains for their face masks. The reason? It seemed safer, especially when people were in any environment that required you to take the mask off – like in a restaurant.
It solved the problem of where to place the mask so that, instead of compromising it by letting it touch a potentially contaminated surface, you could just let it hang there.
The appeal was instant. Not only was it practical, but it also transformed the face mask into an accessory. In a matter of weeks, the internet was awash with helpful DIY tips for creating your own face mask chain.
Now, with designers hopping aboard the trend, these chains seem to have transcended their practical purposes. Today, you'll find many are about adding some fashionable flair; from chunky, over-the-top plastic links to dainty designs that look more like jewellery.
The options are numerous. A simple online search will result in numerous options, including colourful beaded varieties and unisex adjustable straps for under Dh25.
Big brands are hopping on board, too, from jewellery brand Roxanne Assoulin to Banana Republic. In the US, Second Wind, a company that was launched to “inspire people to feel confident, stylish and comfortable within our new normal”, started rolling out chunky chains in crystal and dainty links in silver, gold and gunmetal.
And, if you needed any more proof that it really is a trend, take a look at some of the celebrity names sporting them: Jennifer Lopez, Elle Fanning, Busy Philipps and even Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have all been spotted wearing ever-so-stylish lanyards.
The trend is catching on in the UAE as well. Even Huda Kattan, blogger and founder of Huda Beauty, did a tutorial on TikTok showing followers how they could make their own face mask chain.
Dubai startup NU mask, which has been selling chains since it first launched in June 2020, offers a variety, including metallic versions and ones sporting floral designs, all priced between Dh60 and Dh70.
For NU mask, the simple gold chains sell best, as they go with several looks, although the statement-making tortoiseshell designs and dainty daisy chains are also popular, says a spokesperson.
“Customers love them and love how they can style and accessorise their masks with their outfits to add some extra glam in these trying times. We have a lot of repeat customers who love to mix up the mask and chain styles and try new looks."
The trend shows no sign of abating. After all, as even those vaccinated still run the risk of spreading the disease, the use of face masks – and, by extension, chains – will surely be part of our everyday looks for the foreseeable future.
So it may be time to embrace the trend – in all its over-the-top, over-sized, pearl-studded glory – as the inevitable next link in the pandemic fashion chain.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
Miss Granny
Director: Joyce Bernal
Starring: Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Xian Lim, Nova Villa
3/5
(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The Kites
Romain Gary
Penguin Modern Classics
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Profile of MoneyFellows
Founder: Ahmed Wadi
Launched: 2016
Employees: 76
Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)
Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Malayisa
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia on October 10
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 400hp
Torque: 500Nm
Price: Dh300,000 (estimate)
On sale: 2022
Set-jetting on the Emerald Isle
Other shows filmed in Ireland include: Vikings (County Wicklow), The Fall (Belfast), Line of Duty (Belfast), Penny Dreadful (Dublin), Ripper Street (Dublin), Krypton (Belfast)
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Batti Gul Meter Chalu
Producers: KRTI Productions, T-Series
Director: Sree Narayan Singh
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Divyenndu Sharma, Yami Gautam
Rating: 2/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The Sky Is Pink
Director: Shonali Bose
Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, Rohit Saraf
Three stars
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
