Hello! Couture

Designers Iris Simpson and Mary Jo Appugliesi, both X University Fashion graduates, launched Hello, Couture! in the spring of 2018, with the goal of “redefining modern couture, one amazing piece at a time.”¹ Through their brand, they offer a mix of vintage pieces and repurposed items -- which reflect their commitment to sustainability -- along with new clothing and accessories.² In spring 2020, the brand began selling face masks for the public in a variety of colours and fabrics, including this one, which features metallic sequins and fringe paillettes. The pair also made a donation of masks to Michael Garron Hospital for frontline workers.³

hellocouturedesign.com/ (external link) 
@hellocouturedesign (external link) 

^1-2 https://hellocouturedesign.com/about (external link) 
³ https://www.instagram.com/p/B_VXXxcgfzb/ (external link) 

In the midst of the Black Lives Matter resurgence, masks have become a widely-distributed canvas to communicate solidarity and advocacy in the midst of racial injustice. Masks offered a level of protection for organisers and protesters from ongoing police violence such as rubber bullets and tear gas.⁴ Bold in its messaging, the red “#BLM” embroidery is explicit in nature, highlighting the importance of Black lives and using one's platform to take action in the public consciousness.

⁴ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/a-brief-history-of-protest-fashion (external link)