April 21, 2020, 07:39 PM
Mask shortage in retail stores across Japan has become commonplace since the Covid-19 outbreak started more than two months ago.
Japanese fashion label makes lace bra masks
Fights and even one theft have resulted from the shortage of face masks in parts of the country.
To help alleviate the shortfall, many companies that aren’t usually involved in mask production have been entering the field, such as Singapore gaming brand Razer, which has started producing masks.
In Japan, apparel company Atsumi Fashion is producing reusable cloth masks.
More specifically, lace bra masks.
ブラジャー屋が本気出してみた pic.twitter.com/uDtJwRD7Rx
— Atsumi Fashion (@AtsumiFashion) March 28, 2020
They come in various colours.
さらにブラっぽくしてみた pic.twitter.com/8jjDqo9hrv
— Atsumi Fashion (@AtsumiFashion) April 5, 2020
They also have simpler designs available, if lace isn't your style.
レインボーカラー、生産予定です。 pic.twitter.com/7HIjzfpxO1
— Atsumi Fashion (@AtsumiFashion) March 24, 2020
However, it seems that there's only one size for sale, according to the store's page on online marketplace Rakuten.
The mask costs 1,490 yen (S$19.80) each, but is currently sold out on Atsumi Fashion's online shop, Lingerie Lab, and on its storefront on Rakuten as well.
According to Soranews24, the fashion label only made 250 units in total for its first release, but due to the overwhelming response, the company has announced that a new batch of lace bra masks is underway.
Started off as a joke
While the lace bra mask idea started off as a half-joke, the prototype was met with a strong response on Japanese social media.
Even Japanese model and former Terrace House cast member Aya Kondo came by to visit the store, and wore the lace bra mask.
ちなみにテラスハウスでご存知の近藤あやさんが、弊社の取り組みについて、足を運んで頂き、取材して頂きました。
— Atsumi Fashion (@AtsumiFashion) March 28, 2020
この本気を出したマスクは、近藤さんにプレゼントしました！@DiamondAya
また、いち早くマスク作りに賛同頂いたAll For Meさんの資材を、一部無償提供頂いてます。感謝@allforme_jp pic.twitter.com/XYBs2V4H4l
Atsumi Fashion added a disclaimer on its Rakuten storefront that the product was not meant to be a replacement for surgical masks, but can be thought of as an equivalent for cloth masks.
Top image via Atsumi Fashion/Twitter
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.