Mask Envy
This story is part of The Bold Italic’s Mask Envy series, where we showcase San Franciscans’ pandemic creativity and spotlight the coolest masks spotted around the city. Have a look you want to submit? Email info@thebolditalic.com.
At this point, we’re all face mask veterans — truly, we’ve sampled the full gambit: N95s, disposable ones, homemade ones, and a trendy one here and there. If 2020 was all about figuring the whole mask thing out, 2021 is about absolutely owning the look.
Given that masks are likely to be around for a while, we ask: Why not make wearing them more fabulous this trip around the sun? If you’re looking for a new mask or two to spice up your collection, we have a full series (hint: you’re reading it right now). Top of your list should be these glitter-ful masks from local costumer designer Sarah Boll. Her mask energy is next-level and we are full-on bewitched by it.
Boll is a local performer and designer with a background in costume design. She tells us that she began making masks at the beginning of the pandemic as a source of creativity and to support her community.
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Boll has nailed the combination of filtration, breathability, fit, and of course fashion. Her combination of fabulousness and extensive research into the most effective materials to protect against Covid-19 has gotten her attention locally; she even won a design award by Senator Scott Wiener for her creations.
We caught up with Boll to ask her more about her creative process — and where we can get her masks.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
The Bold Italic: Hey Sarah! Tell us about yourself.
Sarah Boll:
I’ve lived in the Bay Area for about 15 years after moving out from Boston for a job in theater. I got my start sewing as a costumer. I have since transitioned into the fashion industry, but love making and wearing costumes at any opportunity. Pre-Covid I was very active in nightlife and performing, my closet is overflowing with sparkly and nonpractical outfits. I have always been obsessed with glitter, which lead me to founding my Etsy shop Glitter Disaster: Glamorous accessories for sparkle connoisseurs.
How did you decide to get into making masks and what has that process been like?
When the pandemic began, masks were scarce, and I knew I had the skills to help. I early on made the decision to focus on quality over quantity and took my time to do a ton of research. I read every scientific article I could find and studied every chart comparing mask material efficiency in terms of filtration, breathability, and fit. My current design incorporates an electrostatic polypropylene filter in addition to high thread count cotton and a nonwoven interfacing layer. Many of my customers tell me my masks are the most comfortable they own — I take a lot of pride in that! Once I had the science down, the next step was to of course make them pretty. That was the easy part!
Fill us in on your inspiration and how you make them.
The creative process for me usually begins with a theme. That theme might be an event or holiday, or a special material that captures my eye and inspires me to create a look around it. I have an entire craft room (or sparkle cave as I call it) in my apartment that is full of glitter, sequins, and sparkly odds and ends. So once I get going I have lots of materials to pull from and play with. Opportunities for self-expression have changed during the pandemic, and I think it’s more important than ever to take advantage of little moments of fun when you can have them. I may not be going out in a head to toe sparkling costume every weekend anymore, but I can put on one of my rhinestone masks and feel a little extra fabulous. And I want to share that feeling because I know people need it now!
How can we get one of your masks?
Head to my Etsy shop! DM me on Etsy for art mask inquiries!
