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Hello! Couture

Deco Fringe Face Mask
Hello, Couture! By Iris Simpson and Mary Jo Appugliesi 
Toronto, ON
Cotton, netting and sequins
2020
FRC2021.01.014

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) 

Black Lives Matter Mask 
Hello, Couture! By Iris Simpson and Mary Jo Appugliesi 
Toronto, ON
Cotton 
2020 
FRC2021.01.026

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)