mintdesigns' mask: Go ape to fight swine flu

During March 2009's Japan Fashion Week, beloved Tokyo brand mintdesigns sent models down the runway in curious white facemasks. The odd accessory looked a bit like the standard sick masks seen everyday on the streets of Tokyo but posssessed almost-lifelike facial contours. The masks ended up attracting almost as much attention from buyers and press as the designer apparel on display.

mintdesigns had only intended the masks to be a part of the models' runway show costumes, but faced with such intense interest, designers Nao Yagi and Hokuto Katsui realized they had to go out and actually produce them.

The "perfect beauty mask" -- modeled on an anonymous but desirable face -- and a tongue-in-cheek chimpanzee version are now available for a limited time (November 20-29) at the Mint Designs Garage Store located in the basement of Parco Shibuya. They’ve also been picked up by Parisian boutique Merci. Two masks are availble in a set for ¥2,940.

The masks were originally created in collaboration with Asahi Kasei Fibers Corporation as part of Tokyo Fiber Senseware -- an annual project that pairs manufacturers with creative designers to discover new applications for synthetic materials. Mint Designs chose the Asahi Kasei material "Smash" -- a lightweight, non-woven fabric that is both resistant to tearing and capable of holding a three-dimensional shape.

But why use the material make a facemask?

The designers explain, "In Japan, we see a lot of people wearing masks to prevent colds and allergies. Most of these masks are white and look designed for medical use. Wearing a mask makes you feel a bit down, so we made this mask to let you 'be someone.' The mask allows you comfort and health, but also encourages you to have fun."

Pick up a couple of mintdesigns masks this week as a cheery -- and stylish -- way to get friends through this flu season. And even if these kinds of masks don't actually prevent the spread of disease, your simian visage will definitely keep other people at a safe distance.