Social Enterprises You Can Support With Your Face (Mask)
Alperstein Designs, with artwork by Teddy Jakamarra Gibson from Warlukurlangu Artists
Words by HD Thompson
The wise Dr Arthur Neuman once said: “We all wear masks, metaphorically speaking”. But with a pandemic on the loose, now is the time to get literal. Donning a mask is not only an easy way to stay safe, but – for Melburnians anyway – it’s now the law.
There are many upsides to wearing a mask: you get to hide your hideous coffee breath, you can scowl in secret, birds won’t shit in your mouth, and you can leave the safety of your house knowing that you’re not endangering yourself or others in a time when community health and responsible practices are paramount to our survival. Stunning. (For the bespectacled among us, I also recommend some anti-fog spray.)
Better yet, some social enterprises are making masks not only perfect for the task at hand (read: they are a face mask), but that also do some social good. Health, safety and the knowledge your coin isn’t going to evil? Win-win! It’s time to embrace the face.
Second Stitch
A Melbourne-based non-profit that celebrates the unique skills, traditions and stories of refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum. They have a size chart so you can find the best fit for your mug, and they’re designed, cut and sewn in-house from new and upcycled fabrics. Thanks to demand, they’ve been able to hire more tailors, giving work to some of the most disadvantaged members of our community. Supporting a business that supports others is such a good vibe.
Alperstein Designs
A Victorian company showcasing original and innovative Australian designs in their products, they’ve recently added face masks to their catalogue. The masks feature artworks reproduced under licence from Warlukurlangu Artists, so not only do they look incredible, but you’re also supporting Indigenous Australian artists and communities with your purchase. Also, the fact that Alperstein Designs describe the masks as having a “bendy thing around the nose so you can fit it all nice and proper” is kind of wonderful.
Here & There Makers A Victorian not-for-profit that sells zero waste, upcycled, fair trade and handmade products created both locally and globally, as well as giving back to the community through charity. Two dollars from the sale of each mask will be donated to Days for Girls Ferntree Gully, which provides sustainable menstrual hygiene kits to women in need. Sizes come in small (kids), medium (most adults) and large (those with wide jaws or beards). Here & There also has a cute YouTube channel where you can see exactly how the masks are made plus – if you are so inclined – a tutorial on how to make your own.
Masks by Second Stitch
Alperstein Designs, with artwork by Murdie Morris from Warlukurlangu Artists
SisterWorks A Melbourne-based non-profit that works with women from refugee, asylum seeker and migrant backgrounds, making face masks with pride – 50 percent of the profit from each mask sold goes directly to the sister who made it. Supporting consistently sidelined groups in our community should be a priority for privileged Australians, so this is a no-brainer.
Honest Studios A Melbourne-based mother-daughter team that takes an honest approach to an industry overwhelmed by mass production. They source fabric from high-end fashion houses selling their surplus textiles, which means that while collections are limited, they come with far less guilt than most. Their masks are sculptural, reversible and available in two sizes.
