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 Alumni Week highlights innovation and impact
April 3, 2026
Alumni Week, the UC Alumni Association’s spring spotlight on the alumni family, highlights the remarkable achievements and enormous impact of graduates of the University of Cincinnati.
Scientists discover how snakes stand upright without limbs
April 3, 2026
Smithsonian magazine highlights a study co-authored by UC Professor Bruce Jayne, an expert in snake locomotion, about how snakes stand upright without arms or legs.
UC design student works with sports greats in co-op
April 2, 2026
Spectrum News profiles UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning communication design student Jayden Balwally, who had an internship with the Oklahoma City Thunder and worked with the Heisman Trophy Trust and the College Football Playoff.