Masks: The New Must-Have Accessory
By • April 20, 2020 0 1994
There are the humble DIY masks. There are the medical-grade masks (in painfully short supply). And then there are the designer models, that not only look good, but do good, too.
Like many fashion designers — Christian Siriano, Ralph Lauren, Eileen Fisher et al. — once the CDC urged all of us to wear protective face coverings when going outside, Alan Behar saw an opportunity to serve his workers, his customers and vulnerable members of his community.
“With everyone needing a mask, we found a way to make good use of the shirting fabric we already have in-house and keep our own craftspeople working,” explained Behar, CEO of Ike Behar, the high-end menswear store at 2900 M St. NW. Made in the company’s Miami factory, the high-count, two-ply masks offer “the best protection possible in a cotton mask.” All are washable, reusable and elegantly patterned.
For every mask you buy — they cost $10 apiece — this not-for-profit initiative gives a second one to a local charity. In Washington, D.C., Behar has selected Georgetown Ministry Center.
Behar promises that “when the Georgetown location reopens, we will have masks for people to wear when they come into the store. We want us all to be comfortable wearing masks, like we wore neckties.”
We can’t wait!
Like all the Behar masks, this Breton-striped version is made of tightly woven shirting fabric. Courtesy Ike Behar.
