FASHIONABLE SAFETY WEAR

In a world, where the general public fears stepping out of their homes, where shopping has become a life-threatening scenario, designer masks, and gloves are a thriving trend.

Rewind to just a year back, the mask business would only be restricted to hospitals and healthcare and designer masks would be out of the question. For who in their right minds would invest in a mask they would hardly use? However, the times have severely changed. Today, everyone from the common folk to celebrities uses masks in their daily lives. Gloves have faced a similar rise in popularity and combined with that of masks, it makes a highly profitable market.

Talk about numbers

It is estimated that the face mask market would have an increase in growth of 90% by 2025. Face masks are a growing demand and have witnessed a market value of over $11 billion in 2020 itself. While the global disposable medical gloves market showed a growth of 95.2% in 2020.

Keeping up the trend

Furthermore, there are limitless possibilities when it comes to designing. The customer can customize the mask and gloves or the designer creates according to his or her aesthetic taste. The main target audience for fashion masks and gloves are celebrities for whom looking fashionable is not a choice but a necessity. Audiences can also include non-celebrity customers looking for luxury and fashion in newfound daily apparel. Production of masks that match outfits is a score for celebrity buyers. The production of masks should follow hygiene protocol and should be kept in individual packaging in shops and even when delivered online. The packaging of products plays a key role in attracting customers; therefore, we must invest in the appearance of packaging as well. Custom masks can range from affordable prices to luxury, catering to the type of customers. Promotions can be done by fashion shows, ramp walks, online advertisements, etc. Customization of masks via websites, where the customers can choose the color, design, etc. Designer masks should have a separate showroom or shop.

Therefore, the business model for custom masks should be a combination of online and offline stores. Partnering with different designers can generate a variety of unique designs. The beauty of the mask must not compromise its functionality. The main aim of our company or business must be to provide safety wear that is fashionable but provides protection.

Although designer gloves may not be as prominent as designer masks yet it is still a profitable business to pursue. Let’s take a look at two kinds of gloves-disposable gloves which are fashionable and reusable gloves that are custom designed. While, disposable gloves will be sold in a bunch, reusable ones will be sold individually. It is sensible to assume that the latter will be more costly than the former.

Reaping profits from profit

In addition to the profit made by the main products, further revenue can be made by supplementary products. As we provide designer and custom-made products, they must be cleaned with utmost delicacy. Regular washing powder or washing machines may damage the product. Therefore, we must design a disinfecting tool kit or package, of course, the kit should also be appealing to the eye.  So, this means our customers will come back to us for corresponding purchases.

Due to the pandemic, online bank transactions have become a regularity. This makes the public more open or prone to online purchases as well. We must utilize this to the fullest. It is advantageous that online stores do not require many resources, thereby cutting down set up expenses by a good margin.

Collaborations

Potential collaborators are New York fashion designers, Christian Siriano and Kerby Jean-Raymond who have already channeled their skills to the cause of fashion during the pandemic. Through our brand, we can also provide opportunities for new and fresh designers to come to the forefront and bloom.

Health advertisements should also be promoted. We can raise public awareness alongside the business. Through our websites, we can advertise guidelines and information regarding the pandemic. Consequently, health pamphlets should be included in the packaging itself. This information can be regarding the health measures to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many ways to combat the situation and many medical colleges spend a good deal researching it. Their researches are published on several websites and ours could be one too, through successful collaboration.

In conclusion, great ideas come in times of great need. We must make the best of our current situation. To quote writer and author, Kelseyleigh Reber, “When a caterpillar bursts from its cocoon and discovers it has wings, it does not sit idly, hoping to one day turn back. It flies!”

BY-

Sarah Marianne Joseph