Face Masks, But Make Them Fun (Win!)

If we have to wear face masks, we might as well have fun with them, right? Handsome&Lace, a sustainable Canadian brand, hand-makes protective masks using upcycled materials, raw silks, linen, velvet and more. We chatted with founder Keira Morgan, whose aim is to create unique pieces that make her customers feel inspired and encourages them to dress to express (not necessarily impress), and about how her pieces have even caught the eye of some celebs! —Vita Daily

Hi Keira! Please tell us a bit about your (crafty) self to start.

I’m the designer, founder and creator of Handsome&Lace, which is an artful and fun accessories brand with a focus on fabrics, texture, sustainability and individualism. Each piece is handmade in my Toronto studio and I do it all, from cutting my own custom tie patterns, ironing, stitching and more!

When and why did you launch Handsome&Lace? What do you make?

I started sewing at a young age, but I finally took the plunge in 2010 and decided to pursue Handsome&Lace full time. Handsome&Lace is named after my personal style, which is a mix of feminine and masculine elements. As a teen and into my adult years I noticed that my friends and family started to dress like me! As I got older, I tried to avoid them buying the same pieces that I bought. As a solution, I began creating my own clothing that I knew they couldn’t get elsewhere. To this day, I still hold true to that goal, creating neckties, bowties, suspenders and, most recently, protective face masks, that really stand out from other retailers.

We love your protective face masks. What are they made of, and what makes them unique?

Our protective face masks are handmade from breathable fabrics like cotton and linen and have three layers. The fabrics that I use are unique and not just your typical flat cottons that get worn out pretty quickly. Each face mask is hand made in my studio and created with the utmost love and care. To make these face masks unique, I offer customization, allowing consumers to choose something meaningful that is then embroidered onto the front of their masks.

Why should we and how can we use our face masks to express ourselves?!

The custom face masks are created with the colours and images that our customers want! I’ve had some really hilarious requests like “FOX OFF” with a little fox underneath in embroidery, or specific sports teams or favourite brands. I love creating masks that speak to what my customers like and their interests, and when someone walks by with that same interest, they shout, “Hey, great mask!” It’s sort of like a bonding experience when we’re told to isolate. I find that expressing ourselves through our masks can really put someone at ease, give them a little laugh, and make us feel less lonely during this difficult time in our lives.

Any celeb fans of Handsome&Lace?

How did you guess?! Noah Reid of Schitt’s Creek emailed me about having pieces made and wore them to the Emmy’s in 2019. I’ve also had my pieces on Rhys Darby (Murray from Flight of the Conchords), The Property Brothers (who each purchased a tie), Benedict Cumberbatch, Catherine O’Hara, Billy Baldwin and so many more. I’m truly flattered when I see my idols wear Handsome&Lace.

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Win! A Custom Handsome&Lace Face Mask!

Congrats Aleyah S. of Halifax, NS, andTiffany L. of Richmond, BC, who will each receive a custom Handsome&Lace face mask (value $50 each)! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.