Yorkshire designer launches luxury wedding face masks and coverings range

Emily Drew models a Jillian Welch Design face covering outside the Harrogate shop.

Harrogate special occasion fashion designer Jillian Welch has launched a collection of face masks for wedding guests attending this year’s marriage ceremonies and celebrations, as the lockdown shows no sign of being lifted for the months ahead.

The designer, who has a shop on Westmoreland Street in Harrogate, says the new range came about because of increased interest and demand for coordinated and luxurious looks to match wedding outfits.

In particular, the luxe face coverings are ideal for the entourages of the bride and groom (and, as weddings for the present are limited to 30 people maximum including those officiating, that may well mean most of those attending).

Tree of life brocade, 10.50, at Jillian Welch Design in Harrogate.

“I have been making matching masks for my mothers of the bride and groom for some time now and I expect the demand for bridesmaids to rise very soon,” said Jillian. “Colour coordination is a huge thing, and so is a luxury look.”

On August 8, the requirement to wear a face mask was extended to more settings where people are likely to come into contact with those they would not normally meet, such as museums, galleries, cinemas, register offices and places of worship.

Where to buy designer face masks made in Yorkshire

All the Jillian Welch Design masks are lined with silk. As well as collections of lace, printed and brocade face coverings for women, there are also styles that will coordinate well with groomsmen’s ties, pocket hanks and waistcoats.

Silk brocades, ideal for groomsmen, 13.50 with more designs available

Jillian said: “I have included some really luxurious double silk face coverings in manly wedding colours such as titanium and Oxford blue as I figure the black and navy may be a little dour.

“In general, the acceptance of masks is growing and so is the interest in beautiful fabric and superior fit which follows the face and, of course, gives the ability to breathe more easily and no fogging of glasses.”

Although brides and grooms do not have to wear face masks, many are choosing to have them made in case there are situations, such as while travelling, in which they might need to pop one on during the big day. Therefore, bridal face coverings are seeing a surge in popularity.

For those planning a wedding in the near future, it is advised that guidance is issued to guests beforehand regarding face coverings. There might be a BYOM (Bring Your Own Mask) policy or, as a thoughtful touch, bride and groom could provide masks so that guests all look pleasingly co-ordinated (which will look impressive in photos - although a clashing of colours and prints seen later in photographs might have a wonderfully 2020 appeal).

Painted silver and gold face mask, 10.50

*See JillianWelch.co.uk

Stephanie Smith Instagram: @yorkshirestyleQ

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