A Louisiana artist is making face masks that don't inhibit one of her favorite activities. Ellen Macomber of New Orleans has begun producing face masks with holes to drink cocktails. (Btw, there is a protective flap... not just an open hole.)
Macomber says she got the idea from a friend because "here in New Orleans, we like to drink." And, as she puts it, "Suck it up people, this is the new norm so you might as well look good!"
Each mask is going for 30 dollars apiece, but the first lot of 40 has already sold out. The designer says her niche masks are meant to fill a gap in the market, but should not be considered the best form of prevention during the pandemic.
The CDC recommends that your mouth and nose be covered entirely... but at least it's not as bad as the Kentucky woman who cut a hole in the middle of her mask to make it easier to breathe.
Oh, and there is a historical reference for this idea... during the Spanish Flu of 1918, some men cut holes in their masks for cigars and cigarettes.
I found out about these designer masks when I took home my sock monkeys mask... the one I picked out from a group of colorful masks distributed to our iHeart employees by the boss.
My daughter's reaction? It's cute. But not couture.
Who knew we'd start thinking about making a fashion statement.... or supporting our team... while trying not to spread a virus?
(Photo credit: Ronnie Bloodworth)