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Costly COVID Blockers

Would you pay $80 for a mask? What about $200? While we suspect we already know the answer to those questions, it's pretty clear from what's available on the market that the pandemic hasn't tightened everyone's wallet. Some people are paying those prices — and much, much, much more — for a fashionable pandemic-era face covering. From least to most expensive, here are some of our favorite jaw-droppingly priced germ blockers.


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HOUSE OF X LTD.

XMask Pro 'Dragon' Face Mask

$79 from Xsuit
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You'll truly make a fashion statement with this menswear company's face covering, which also comes in a butterfly version. This isn't the most expensive mask the company offers (although those are just $10 more), but it's the most fun-looking. Xsuit actually offers a line of masks for all ages, including children, and it donates a medical-grade mask to a hospital in need for each mask sold.

Emilio Pucci S.r.l.

Emilio Pucci Badea Print Face Mask

$85 from Emilio Pucci
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Yes, $85 does seem like a lot of money for a mask, but there are people willing to pay it. Pucci originally had at least nine versions of these masks for sale, and this is the only one left in stock.

Proenza Schouler

Mini Gingham Mask

$100 from Proenza Schouler
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This children's mask is the only model left in this New York-based designer's line of seven limited-edition masks, the net proceeds of which went to the city's Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

Collina Strada

Fashion Face Mask With Bows

$100 from Collina Strada
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Like a lot of other designers, Collina Strada pivoted to making masks when the pandemic began, using materials from past collections — and including a touch of whimsy in their designs with the bows. While you might shake your head at the cost of this mask, note that the company is donating three masks to Seeding Sovereignty for each one purchased. This one also comes in other colors.


Related: Surprising Ways Companies Are Helping Battle the Coronavirus Pandemic

AKRISWEB INC.

Cotton Poplin Face Mask

$100 from Akris
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These simple two-layer Swiss cotton poplin masks come in a few colors, have a pocket for a filter, and adjustable nose wire. While pricey, we'll note that 50% of proceeds from each mask sale will be donated to The Children’s Defense Fund.


Related: 20 Small Things You Can Do to Make a Big Difference in the Pandemic

Etsy

Royal Rose Luxury Face Mask

$109 from Etsy
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This fancy little double-layered number is made of silk and is hand-sewn with beads, pearls, and sequins. The U.K.-based seller has a couple of other versions in different colors, and each comes with a wash bag (yes, it is machine-washable, surprisingly.)

VPL

Japanese Silk Maruobi Mask

$125 from VPL
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The fabric used in these masks is silk brocade kimono fabric — specifically from the obi, or sash of the kimono — and the description notes that "the Maru Obi is the most luxurious and expensive obi of all." This face mask has an insert for a filter, and the elastic straps wrap around your head, not your ears. Lined with cotton, these are made in the U.S.


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Collina Strada

Scribble Braid Face Mask

$200 from Collina Strada
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The New York-based designer is also offering this mask at double the price of its mask with bows. What do you get for that extra green? Well, this one also has bows, but it also has braided hair extensions and flower charms. Again, it's expensive, but 30% of the proceeds for this mask are going to The Okra Project.


Related: COVID-19 Crisis: Ways to Help in All 50 States

Olivela

Fox Head Beaded Face Mask

$240 from Olivela
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This company, which regularly combines its sale of luxury goods with philanthropic work (20% of its sales go to charitable or humanitarian causes) has this 100% silk, U.S.A.-made mask in its line. Its website notes that with the purchase of this face covering, nine essential supplies for a family in need are provided through Save the Children.

Michael Ngo

Revival Ruby Crystal Face Mask

$500 from Michael Ngo
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You probably won't be wearing this Swarovski-crystal encrusted mask to the grocery store — for that, Ngo has other masks that cost about a tenth as much. This mask belongs to the Revival collection, where masks start at $110 and include designs in patent leather, with chains, and more. All the net proceeds from this collection are donated to the L.A. Food Bank.


Related: Masks and Accessories to Make Covering Your Face More Comfortable

Christian Siriano

Black Pearl-Encrusted Mask

$525 from Christian Siriano
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Before we all laugh designer Christian Siriano out of the room with what looks like an overpriced cash grab in the middle of a pandemic, it should be noted that these are meant only to fund a larger project. Back in March, Siriano shut down production on his designs and instructed some of his seamstresses to begin making masks to support local hospitals and private individuals. Siriano also offers many more reasonably priced masks on his website.

Givenchy

Givenchy Paris Cap with Mask

$590 from Givenchy
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Yes, it's nearly $600, but at least you get a bonus hat? Givenchy's parent company, LVMH, did convert its perfume manufacturing facilities into hand sanitizer factories, the results of which are provided at no charge to European hospitals and French authorities.


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Yvel

Yvel Jewelry Black and White Diamond Face Mask

$1.5 million

You can't actually buy this mask — we know, you're heartbroken — because it's a one-of-a-kinder, made for a U.S.-based Chinese businessman who commissioned Israeli luxury jeweler Yvel to make it for him. When finished, it will be 18-karat white gold and feature more than 3,600 black and white diamonds. Fitted with an N99 filter, it will also be medical grade — the "99" means that it filters out that percentage of particulate matter. The mask's production, notes Yvel, is being carried out by "25 jewelers and diamond setters who have been carefully selected from the company’s staff, working in shifts."


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