Cincinnati Enquirer: Express yourself with fun, fashionable face masks
University of Cincinnati alumni design face masks with flair
As face masks become more prevalent in everyday life, they're also becoming more fashionable. The Cincinnati Enquirer spoke to two University of Cincinnati grads who are putting a stylish spin on the functional face covering.
Tessa Clark models her mask design.
Local designer Tessa Clark, a 2016 graduate of UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning who competed on the TV series "Project Runway" and manages Cincinnati boutique Idlewild Woman, crafted a mask made from organic cotton and hemp jersey with cotton ribbons as ties that mashes with her elevated minimal fashion brand, Grind and Glaze.
Newly minted DAAP grad Anna Hayes has made more than 100 face masks for family and friends using fabric she already had on hand.
"...It's funny," Hayes told the Enquirer. "My mother calls me a fabric hoarder and is always asking when I’m going to use that stuff in the basement. The answer is 'now.'"
Featured image at top: Fabric face masks can offer protection and act as a fashion accessory.Photo/Vera Davidova on Unsplash
Related Stories
UC co-op helps build career pathways at AtriCure
July 28, 2026
AtriCure, a global medical device company in Mason, Ohio, is UC’s largest biomedical engineering co-op employer, turning University of Cincinnati co-op students into full-time innovators.
CCM welcomes new musical theatre faculty member Avery Bargassé
July 28, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Avery Bargassé as CCM's new Assistant Professor Educator of Musical Theatre Voice. His faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026. Bargassé is a versatile vocalist, recording artist and voice teacher whose career spans television, popular music and classical singing. He approaches teaching from a whole-person perspective, helping students develop healthy, flexible technique that supports expressive communication across styles.
UC doctoral student shares his journey with Spectrum News
July 27, 2026
UC doctoral student Amota Ataneka spoke with Spectrum News about his educational journey. Ataneka, a native of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, is one of 35 emerging scholars across the United States to win the National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship.