Series 2: Fashion in the time of COVID
As we continue to dive into fashion moments that are defining our “new normal,” we would be remiss not to highlight one of the earliest trendsetters of our latest everyday accessories. Since initial sketches in April 2020, Second Wind has clearly taken off with a growing celebrity following, including Jennifer Lopez and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. We had the opportunity to speak with Second Wind founder and designer Karen Perez to learn more about her creative brand and most recent projects.
A New York-based fashion stylist for the past 15 years, Perez found herself feeling helpless at the start of the pandemic. Her responsibilities shifted from styling clients for fabulous events to sourcing face masks. This undertaking proved to be more challenging than expected to find masks that were not only fashionable, but also comfortable. When Perez could not find anything worthwhile, she decided to take control and design masks that were more suitable for her clients and herself.
“When I was wearing a mask, it was uncomfortable and unflattering. I felt like masks weren’t designed for women and the fit was very masculine,” said Karen Perez on her inspiration for starting the brand. “I had a little time so I thought why don’t I put pen to paper and do some sketches. It evolved from there.”
This project gave Perez the “second wind” she needed while sheltering-in-place. It reinvigorated her in a way that she did not anticipate but, as an artist, she needed. She wanted to create a mask that would complement feminine facial features with contoured cuts to expose cheek bones and define jawlines, giving the illusion of a slimmer face.
“Fit is always really important to me and the ethos of our brand stands on fit and quality,” added Perez. “My goal was to create something comfortable, presentable, and flattering for my clients and help them to feel confident all day long.” In recognizing that not every face is the same, Second Wind offers various sizes for mask to fit different face shapes.
When you wear something so noticeable on your face and so regularly that it almost becomes a uniform, it’s important that it makes you feel good. Looking for a way to add her stylist twist to the elegant masks, the designer decided to accessorize them. Perez made her jewels functional and sustainable as chains and hoops attached to the mask that can also be worn separately as necklaces and earrings when not using the cloth counterpart.
Second Wind is constantly evolving and adding new elements to the fashionable collection, making the brand accessible for anyone. Earlier this month, Second Wind introduced Second Layers Disposable Masks as a paper version of the famous Tina Mask. The three-pack disposable masks ($21) are made from KN95 material with a 5-layer protection and available in three colors, sand, black, and oat.
In addition to paper masks, Second Wind also recently launched its first hat collection called The Bianca, inspired by the designer’s muse, Bianca Jagger. The flat-brimmed fedora ($210) is available in two colors, black and beige, and comes in three sizes. Each of the 100% Moreno Wool hats are made in Ecuador, a country where the designer has strong family legacy in the fashion industry. Second Wind is giving us all of the new accessories that we didn’t know we needed in our germ-filled world. Flaunted by women, men are quickly jumping on board as well with the flattering mask shape for everyday wear. To learn more or to place an order, please visit ShopSecondWind.com or @BySecondWind on Instagram
