Nine months of lockdown brought to the surface a lot of things, bad more than good. It also created a need for face masks like never before. Disposable, reusable, 3D-printed or grown, face masks have become a hot commodity. So, it’s not surprising that a team took the concept further, coming up with a Daft Punk-inspired concept, Blanc.
This time around, the face mask doesn’t cover only the nose, mouth, and part of your cheeks, but the entire face with an opaque material. When air comes through, it’s filtered through 2 high-efficiency reusable and replaceable HEPA filters.
As Blanc Inc. creator points out, you’d be walking in “a bubble of fresh air” with this mask on. Of course, you’d catch everyone staring at you but no one could tell who’s actually behind the mask.
Is it a hero? A villain? Guessing is half the fun, the creators believe: “Everyone wants to know who the man behind the mask is. Be bold, shroud yourself in mystery, and show the world you don’t follow the status quo.”
The Kickstarter product was also compared with the current options on the market and it surpassed all, especially in the “dopeness” category:
And the mask is modular too. After the Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign ends, the makers promise to bring some extra goodies: “We’re developing an ecosystem of mask upgrades, from voice modulators to Bluetooth headsets, HUDs, and augmented reality systems. You will be able to upgrade your mask with Blanc’s add-ons in the near future.”
While Blanc’s role is to offer 100% privacy and mystery, the face mask also wants to fit the wearer’s style. So, the frontal panels are magnetic and they can be swapped:
Believe it or not, this extreme concept found its audience on Kickstarter, where not only was it backed, but Blanc Inc surpassed its goal 5 times.
Is it a sign that more and more people are resigned to a face mask era that’s not ending any time soon?
Time will tell. If you are interested in a full face mask like Blanc, be aware that one Super Early Bird costs $79, with the mask’s retail price coming at $149.
Shipping will start next March.
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