(l-r) Bloom’s Angels—Design Director Stephanie Reeves, Associate Publisher Cassaundra Huskey, and Deputy Editor Sophie Bird—take a break from working on the magazine to show off their masks. Stephanie sets her creative spirit loose while Cassaundra shares her love of cats wearing these colorful masks from Spectrum Creative Group, 101 W. Kirkwood. Sophie models a free-spirited, tie- dye mask by Simply Southern from EllieMae’s Boutique, 101 W. Kirkwood.

by SOPHIE BIRD
photos by RODNEY MARGISON

Because a mask is essential for slowing the spread of COVID-19, it’s safe to assume we’ll all be donning them this holiday season. But while masks started out as an unwanted piece of personal protective equipment, they’re now morphing into something else: a fashion statement. They’re also the perfect stocking stuffer this Christmas.

Masks are increasingly adding a bit of personal flair to the wearer’s outfit through designs, humorous sayings, and the logos of brands, organizations, and sports teams.

At Bloomington businesses, there are many styles of mask to choose. Perhaps someone on your list is a loyal Hoosiers fan, loves dogs, or enjoys tie-dye. At these local retailers, there’s a mask for everyone on your list.

  • Editor and Publisher Malcolm Abrams shows off his school spirit in an accordion-style mask by Ross Sportswear bearing the Indiana University logo. Available at The Indiana Shop, 421 E. Kirkwood.
  • Cassaundra pays tribute to artist Frida Kahlo in this fair-trade, Guatemalan- made, corte-shaped, embroidered mask from Global Gifts, 122 N. Walnut.
  • Rodney Margison, Bloom’s managing editor and photographer, wears a fitted, martini-print mask from Andrew Davis Clothiers,101 W. Kirkwood. Photo by Cassaundra Huskey
  • Sophie’s puppy love is on display in this hard-to-find Vera Bradley mask from EllieMae’s Boutique, 101 W. Kirkwood.
  • Administrative Assistant Janet Arthur supports her favorite football team in this fitted mask from Riddell, which she bought at Bloomington High School South.
  • Spectrum Creative Group also offers custom masks made with your design or photograph, like this one of a muscle car modeled by Stephanie.