Ed Aniel crafted striking face masks that tell stories about their wearers. He also aims to take it one step further by offering mask options that have been carefully crafted by local artisans whose businesses have slowed down during the pandemic.
Face masks have become the new everyday essentials. But why blend in, when you can stand out in the crowd? True enough, as these life-saving accessories become a part of people’s daily routine, many are looking for variations that can showcase their individuality. More so since with people’s faces mostly covered, the ability to communicate with visual cues is lessened.
One visual artist aims to take “mask-ing” to a whole new level — by envisioning the utilitarian mask from drab to fab. Introducing maskED by Ed Aniel, a collection of avant-garde face masks that promise to change people’s everyday gear.
This designer believes that nothing should stop us from expressing ourselves. “Often we search for ways on how we can create an impression. MaskED aims to take it one step further by offering masks that have been carefully crafted by local artisans whose businesses have slowed down as well during the pandemic,” Ed shares.
That’s why he crafted striking face masks that tell stories about their wearers. Ed is an acclaimed artist, dancer and production director. With a life lived that is deeply woven into the creative side, he is free to express his ideas and be unrestrained in articulating his artistry.
But like the rest of the world during pandemic, he found himself locked up in the four walls of his home. Like many, at first, it trapped him. But with his creativity flowing, the quarantine did not stop him from exhibiting his ingenuity in another platform: the creation of couture face masks.
What sets maskED apart from the usual, aside from the out-of-this-world designs, is the use of frames that keep most of the surface away from the wearer’s lips. “Doing the metal frame is the first and most challenging part of my masks. But I knew that I have to achieve the perfect shape and right distance from the mouth so I can call it lipstick-friendly,” he chuckles.
Ed, along with some local artisans, spent hours intricately handcrafting each artistic piece. He uses a combination of carefully curated fabrics, beads, laces, sequins and various other embellishments. Each creation is made by hand, so they are made-to-order to ensure quality and craftsmanship, as well as to reduce waste in the production. Since each creation is built with a frame, the mask is highly breathable and the wearer won’t feel suffocated.
Standout designs
One of his most exceptional designs is The Minotaur, an eye-turner that features a metal frame, metal horns and gold spikes.
Another bold and large piece is called the Future Bride. It’s a layered mask in pristine white cloth, sequins and beads structured in a metal frame and adorned with pompoms, lace, and florets that will immaculately match any woman’s wedding dress for her big day. For her entourage,The Bridesmaid gives a more toned-down yet equally bewitching vibe through ensemble of lace, beads and sequins.
Ladies will stand out with these other fabulous designs from maskED: Bedazzled, Carnival Queen and Rose Blush. By the way, these statement masks can be worn again, but they need to be dry cleaned after every use.
Each of these handcrafted face masks, plus other made-to-order design options, can be seen in Ed’s IG page: @suncastle_ed_aniel.
