You’ve probably heard her on the radio or you’ve seen her host at other large-scale events — Sonia Chew is a woman who needs little introduction. Now, if you’re not in the loop, Sonia recently released a line of face masks in collaboration with Shoppe212 — an initiative that was launched to provide work for Singapore seniors who have been affected by the pandemic.
With the demand for face coverings growing everyday, and having it shift from a precautionary measure to a necessity, you have all the more reason to find one that you really like. Well, they’re not exactly a fashion accessory, but they do take up a fair amount of real estate on your face, so it’s not surprising that people are looking for aesthetically pleasing ones.
Within this line of face masks, you can expect pieces that are ergonomically designed and hand-sewn in Singapore, with a bevvy of options that are as stylish as they are safeguarding for any occasion.
But that’s not all. We also had a chat with Sonia Chew where she shared more about how she started this line of face masks, her favourite pieces and how the project also has a charitable aspect to it.
“It’s not entirely mine, I’m just here to help. It’s actually a family thing because during the whole pandemic period my extended families, like my aunties and uncles, and even my dad, didn’t have much to do because they didn’t have any work.
So my aunties are really good at sewing and my dad is pretty good at designing. And so my dad, mom and I, got together to design a mask that would be ergonomic and would also be comfortable and breathable. That’s also because my dad’s health isn’t that good so he gets out of breath very easily. So wearing masks is actually a challenge for him and he wanted something that was more breathable.
On the other hand, I wanted something that looks good — something fashionable and form-fitting, and one that looks nice because I feel like a lot of the masks out there don’t flatter the face as much as it should so that’s why we came up with this design. We have several different fabric designs to choose from for any occasion which I’ve been switching them up for like different outfits and stuff like that.
So I’m really glad at where it’s at right now and I hope that moving forward people see that wearing masks is going to stay for a little while and that we shouldn’t have to compromise how we look just because we have to wear masks. You know what I mean? It should still look good.”
“I do work with some church-related organisations, but aside from that, I’ve also been in talks with Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore.
I also used to work with the Girls Home here in Singapore so I’m hoping to reignite a conversation with them again. So that’s another one of the charities moving forward. And I welcome any suggestions obviously, for anyone who reaches out. And if we align that would be fabulous.”
“Essentially they’re all the same design — they’re all the same fit — but if I had to pick a favourite, I would say ‘Resting Beach Face‘.
And I love the plain ones because they are very versatile. The satin ones that are coming up really soon are perfect as well because they are more glamourous but also more subtle, it’s not super bling or whatever.”
“It makes your face look so sharp! It really is form-fitting, at the same time it’s breathable. I have to say I have worn so many different masks — from fashion masks to surgical masks — but this by far, makes you look great in pictures as well and it really slims your face down, to be honest, and it’s suitable for both guys and girls, and we have two sizes, so take a pick!”
The face masks are now available online at shoppe212.com. Prices range from $18 to $25. For more updates on the latest releases, follow Shoppe212 on Instagram and Facebook.