Beauty queen maker Jonas Gaffud and fashion designer Albert Andrada collaborate with a Singaporean scientist to produce protective gear that fuses nanosilver technology, an element known for its anti-microbial properties.
By Alex Y. Vergara
Fashion and safety do mix. Filipino designer Albert Andrada has collaborated with Singaporean scientist Dr. Liu Hongjun to initially produce eye-catching face masks combined with nanosilver technology, an element known for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
Liu has found a way to bind nanosilver to cloth, making it safe for both user and the environment, says talent manager and beauty queen maker Jonas Gaffud, who has partnered with Aerian Essentials to distribute the products in the Philippines.
For starters, Aerian, which is also manufactured locally, will be launching face covers for the general public. Part of its long-term goal, however, is to produce other forms of “protective wearables” that can cater to such vital industries as aviation, hotel, food and tourism, says Jonas through email.
“At its heart,” he adds, “Aerian is committed to creating products that will enable people to live in the new normal without anxiety, capturing our goal in our tagline: live bravely.”
But what’s nanosilver and how can it offer added protection when bound with everyday pandemic essentials such face masks and PPEs?
Although the technology of combining it with fabric is fairly new, nanosilver has been around, providing anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-viral protection when seamlessly combined with various products like water-filtration systems and those used in medical settings.
Thanks to his experience of using nanosilver for water purification, Liu has been able to go a step further by developing a method to bind nanosilver with cloth, which its proponents claim can effectively kill viruses and bacteria. The hybrid cloth is scientifically called nCamM, says Jonas.
How does it work? Nanosilver, he adds, is positively charged, whereas viruses and bacteria are negatively charged. Once these potentially deadly microbes come into contact with nanosilver cloth fiber, the interaction instantly destroys these harbingers of disease.
Based on rigorous testing done according to the standards of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation, Aerian’s nanosilver cloth filters are reportedly certified to eliminate 99 percent of disease-causing germs and viruses, as well as air pollutants.
“Aerian made it possible for the nCamM nanosilver cloth to be wearable,” Jonas shares. “We included a layer of the nanosilver fabric in the face cover’s structure, all the while keeping the exterior fabric breathable and comfortable.”
A series of prototypes led to the introduction of three major product lines: Aerian Premium, Aerian Luxe and Aerian Classic. They’re all reusable, with the premium and luxe lines lasting up to four months, and the classic line lasting up to a month. They also come in such sizes as small, medium and large.
It goes without saying that the product came about as a direct response to protect people during this pandemic. At the same time, Jonas, who partnered with Valerie Lim, Miss Universe Singapore 2011 and current national director of Miss Universe Singapore, this April wanted to create a sustainable livelihood for communities and the group’s other stakeholders.
It is not advisable for children below two years old to wear face masks. Older and bigger kids may use some form of face covering as long as it fits properly, thus the sizes.
Because the nanosilver filter is constantly active, the Aerian face mask, believe it or not, doesn’t require constant washing. Users can gently wash the outer layers with running water and mild soap, never detergent, and later hang it to dry indoors.
Albert took on Jonas and Valerie’s invitation to lead Aerian’s design and manufacturing team here. At the same time, they also tapped a group of young designers to oversee quality control. To help the country’s local weavers earn steady incomes, Aerian will also be offering a line that integrates materials from these Filipino artisans.
“The Aerian Luxewear range consists of limited edition designs by our very own Albert Andrada,” says Jonas. “Its intricate designs and more opulent colors are the result of Albert’s iconic design DNA. Aerian is where function meets fashion. There’s an Aerian mask for every taste and budget.”
Aerian Essentials will be initially available via a number of E-commerce sites starting July 24. Jonas and his collaborators hope to add more retail partners in the coming months.
