Note: This article first appeared on UncoverLA and is shared with their permission in partnership with Los Angeleno. You can subscribe to UncoverLA for local retail, fashion and lifestyle news here.
It’s available now on Indiegogo and the brand will donate two masks to a Black healthcare worker.
Manuel “MannyJStyle” Jackson is one of those multihyphenates who’s always dreaming up the next best thing. He’s the founder and CEO of fashion line Threadhaus, the founder of men’s styling house The Gents Closet, a program coordinator for an agency that helps young adults with autism and, most importantly, a dad. Now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s decided to reinvent PPE (personal protective equipment) with the Plasqmasq.
As it became clear that the coronavirus was disproportionately affecting Black Americans, coupled with the glaring racial disparity in the American healthcare system, Jackson found he could no longer sit on the sidelines. Under the umbrella of the Threadhaus label, Jackson and his team devised a crowdfunding campaign to better protect everyday people from the virus and to give back to the fearless Black Americans on the front lines in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Threadhaus’ new Plasqmasq was designed from scratch to solve the common ailments of hospital-provided and homemade masks alike. The multi-layered respirator mask actually purifies the air you breathe and features replaceable filters that are dishwasher safe, as well as an adjustable draw-cord that prevents the mask from sagging or gaping. The cord connects to a silicone backing, which should sit comfortably on customers’ faces without fogging up sunglasses or causing the typical discomfort of other poorly made masks.
Every element of the Plasqmasq is intended to increase Angelenos’ personal safety and purportedly protects wearers from ages 9 through 99 against 99% of airborne pathogens. Plus, when you inevitably need to have a bite to eat outdoors or take a sip of water on your morning jog, you can remove the mask’s outer shell without removing the entire mask — ensuring a safer environment for both you and any surrounding individuals.