Now that H1N1 (Swine Flu) has entered into my backyard, it is time to pretend I am concerned.  What better way than by making a fashion statement! Other designers and websites have already jumped on the bandwagon and are offering a trendy surgical mask with just a click of your mouse.  There are masks available that look like bandannas.  I would not recommend wearing it into a convenience store late at night.  If that is not your speed, try an animal print such as Zebra, Cheetah or Snakeskin available at flufashion.net.

Always wanted to look like an animal? Samiraboon.com has you covered, literally. You have a plethora to choose from.  Some examples are the Chimpanzee, Raccoon, Tiger, and yes, they did make one of a pig snout.

Irinablok.com is offering surgical masks that I could easily see being sold at Urban Outfitters around Christmas time as one of their kitschy stocking stuffers.  Masks with voluptuous lips, “Oink,” a zipper and most disturbing, a bushy black beard are being toted as “good Mother’s Day gifts.” What really wins mothers’ hearts are hand crafted creations.  Please see below for a really great Mother’s Day gift idea!

H1N1 started in Mexico, but the trend of decorated surgical masks did not.   Going back to 2003, during the plight of SARS and the Bird Flu, fashion houses such as Burberry and the rumor of Gucci, as well as custom made masks for specific tastes and styles sprung up all over China.  These masks were incorporated into the fashion scene, as by such Hong Kong designers as Peter Lau.  Justifying the question, why wear something if it isn’t stylish?

Celebrities jumping on this trend are not surprisingly Heidi Montauge, from The Hills, who has been photographed in LA wearing a white surgical mask a la Michael Jackson style.  Later both her and her recent husband were spotted on the beaches of Mexico again wearing surgical masks.  One thing we can all count on is those two never missing an opportunity for a photo.

My advice to everyone about surgical masks, jump on board! Host a decorate your own surgical mask party. Heck, the World Health Organization even recommends making your own mask.  Go to the medical supply store.  Buy puff paints (remember those?!), a sharpie, some stickers, spray paint, feathers, sequins, maybe a Bedazzler or two, throw in some beverages and you have a absolutely fabulous night ahead of you.

I wonder, are surgical masks going to be the new t-shirt with catch phrases?  Are they the next canvas for marketers to manipulate? More designers should create masks. Louis Vuitton if you are listening, I would love one designed by Stephen Sprouse. My fabulous decorated mask will not only be fashionable but also function able.  Now when I don’t want to talk to someone, I don’t have to pretend I’m listening to my iPod, I can just pop on my surgical mask.  Look for me over the next couple of weeks in Brooklyn.  I might be smiling at you but you will not be able to tell.

-Oriana DiNella