by Patricia Chourio

COVID-19 has impacted our lives in major ways, from the way we work, how we socialize to the way we shop. As industries across the world are trying to adapt to these changes and pivoting to satisfy the needs of their customers and keep their businesses afloat, many sustainable brands have started making masks that are not only functional and stylish but also eco-friendly. According to the CDC, when combined with preventive actions and social distancing, wearing a cloth face mask helps slow the spread of Coronavirus. 

I have to say that as I try to cope with the current situation, one of the positive things I see in the sustainable fashion landscape is how brands have been able to showcase their resilience and creativity. Check out this list I’ve compiled of 5 of my favorite international sustainable brands and women artisans that are making masks and face coverings. You can protect yourself and loved ones while also supporting women artisans and cooperatives around the world. 

Atitlan Women Weavers:

A cooperative of 27 indigenous women from the community of San Pedro Laguna in Guatemala. Anita Cortez founded the cooperative to support women artisans who like her were single mothers and need additional income to support their families. The artisans specialize in traditional Mayan weaving using natural materials such as organic cotton (grown in their backyard) and natural dyes created with vegetables, leaves and coffee grounds. You can watch this Instagram Live I did with Anita a few months ago to learn more about their product making process.

During the pandemic Anita’s community and livelihood has been hard-hit by the lack of tourism, which is one of main sources of income for many families in the area. Anita has rallied her friends and clients abroad to raise funds to donate food baskets to families and weavers in San Pedro and other villages nearby. Since March she has been able to support more than 600 families. 

The masks are made out of up-cycled fabrics and the patterns are naturally dyed and handwoven using a back strap loom. You can purchase the masks directly from the link above and other products made by the artisans from this cooperative by visiting: www.theworldscorner.com 

 Pedacito de Corazón: 

A social project founded by Angelica Pimentel with a mission to divulge the work of artisans and small designers in Mexico, granting the recognition their work deserves, but also with a deep desire to improve their social conditions. For this reason, in addition to ensuring that their artisans receive fair remuneration, a percentage of the sales is used to support various social projects in Mexico.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, various groups of artisans came together to embody in today's much-needed face masks a bit of their art and traditional designs. PDC collaborates with a community located in Tenango de Doria, Hidalgo where Mrs. Norma and her family, make the “tenangos” (textiles that are based on the traditional embroidery of the Otomí culture and are characterized by their bright colors and the representation of the flora, fauna, festivals and beliefs of the region).

The face masks have three layers: the outer layer (manta fabric) contains the hand-embroidered tenango, a surgical padding filter and a cotton layer that is in contact with the skin. Each face mask has a cost of 17 euros and they ship worldwide from Germany, Spain and Mexico.

Hoa Tien Brocade

A cooperative of women artisans from the Thai ethnic minority founded by expert silk weaver Sam Thi Tinh in Hanoi, Vietnam. The artisans in this cooperative are known for their brocade weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations. Originally from Nghe An Province, Tinh started this cooperative to help support her family and to share their traditional weaving techniques and culture with Vietnamese youth. 

Their masks are handwoven with cotton grown and harvested by the artisans  (watch this video to learn more about the process) and silk produced by them according to traditional production methods, following an eco-friendly process. The filaments and yarn are naturally dyed with tea leaves, flowers and bark trees. 

The silk masks are sewn with 3 layers from silk and cotton and available in many sizes for children and adults. These are shipped worldwide from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Tonlé

A maker-led community based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with a mission of creating a purposeful future for fashion: one that is restorative, regenerative and just. Tonlé partners with a weaving cooperative in northern Cambodia which also employs 20 artisans, most of whom are full time. These skillful weavers have been perfecting their craft for over 20 years and we are proud to have them working on Tonlé’s exclusive textile designs.

Tonlé’s reusable masks have three layers of quilted cotton, which has been the recommended practice for cloth masks and are making these with ties instead of elastic around the ears - to better support the different fit needs of their customers.

ÉTICA

Based in Los Angeles, ÉTICA is rooted in the ideals of fair labor, environmentally conscious manufacturing and social responsibility. Taking a directional approach to design and construction, ÉTICA offers premium fabrics, vintage-inspired washes, and refined fits, proving that fashion and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. 

ÉTICA Non-Medical unisex masks are for everyday use. For every 4-pack sold, a medical 4-pack is donated through #GetUsPPE.