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's art collection on display at the Contemporary Arts Center
January 5, 2026
University of Cincinnati leaders joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to talk about the university’s 200-year-old art collection, a new exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center and the release of a companion book exploring the collection’s role in education and public engagement.
UC faculty and staff among Rising Star leadership honorees
January 5, 2026
Two UC faculty and staff members are among this year's Rising Star leadership program sponsored by YWCA Greater Cincinnati. Kelli Beecher, assistant professor in the UC College of Nursing, and Brittany Bibb, assistant director of programs and operations in the UC Division of Student Affairs, are among the emerging leaders of 2026. They were featured in the publication Movers & Makers.
What's behind the mysterious rise of migraines?
January 5, 2026
Weather patterns such as extreme heat and storm conditions have been linked to migraine attacks, and research shows those environmental conditions are becoming more common. As National Geographic recently reported, one of the leading theories behind this mysterious rise is that climate change may be playing a role.