Face mask, undoubtedly the hottest accessory of 2020, was nothing but a protective gear against pollution before. Although the strength of the novel coronavirus made it a necessity for humankind, literally to be alive, and something more of a celebrated fashion.

Since the pandemic began, celebrities and well-known personalities from all over the world started experimenting with face masks. This protective covering soon replaced belted bags and platform thigh boots, which were initially primed to be fashion stars of 2020. As time went by, masks levelled up as a trend, sidelining big-hits such as stilettos and jewellery.

Not to forget, masks also came handy to raise awareness about voting in the 2020 US presidential election. It was also something that could not be neglected even by the Queen of England. The accessory also made several designers get out of their comfort zone and create something that could not be imagined.

After all, if celebs were going to have to wear face masks, it was obvious that they would invest in uncommon and voguish designs to match their style. So, here are some of the face masks that dominated the fashion headlines of the year:

Royal Family’s face masks

From left to right: Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Williams, Kate Middleton. (Photo Credit: Instagram/ The Royal Family, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)

The Royal Family has kept active during the ongoing pandemic, whether it’s through Zoom calls or in-person trips. The Duchess of Cambridge first stepped out wearing a floral mask in August this year. Since then, Kate Middleton made the floral print so trendy that everybody wanted to have a mask just like her. Queen Elizabeth II also made news when she first appeared early November in a classy black mask with a thin silver border.

Lady Gaga’s unique masks at 2020 VMAs

Lady Gaga at VMAs 2020. (Photo Credit: Instagram/ Lady Gaga)

At the 2020 Video Music Awards in August, pop star Lady Gaga changed into multiple outfits and made appearances in several iconic face masks. There were tusks, glitters, LEDs, shields and many such unusual elements. The 34-year-old American singer truly made styling face masks fun.

Masks that inspired Americans to vote

From left to right: Hailey Beiber, Kerry Washington. (Photo Credit: Instagram/ Hailey Beiber, Kerry Washington)

Face masks featuring the word ‘VOTE’ were worn by many celebrities, politicians as well as common people in order to inspire the country to vote in the 2020 US presidential election. There were several brands that actually cut the cost to encourage voter turnout. There were several celebs, including Hailey Beiber and Kerry Washington, who wore masks in support of their favourite candidate.

The expensive ones

From left to right: Shankar Kurade from Pune wearing a gold mask, the world’s most expensive mask by Israel’s designers. (Photo Credit: AFP, PTI)

There were some prominent face masks this year that stole the limelight and left everyone shocked. These masks were specially made of gold and diamond. The world’s most expensive face mask worth more than $1.5 million, which was made in Israel, was the highlight whereas Pune’s Shankar Kurade went on to spend 3 lakh rupees on a gold mask that created a buzz online. 

The bridal face masks

Indian actor Kajal Aggarwal and her husband Gautam Kitchlu. (Photo Credit: Instagram/ Kajal Aggarwal)

The thing that nobody could’ve ever imagined — this year weddings needed face masks. Interestingly, designers found a perfect opportunity to fashion masks with bridal dresses and now it has become a new sensation. Indian actor Kajal Aggarwal and her husband Gautam Kitchlu were one of the couples that did not shy away to keep up with the trend.

The matching masks

From left to right: Billie Eilish, Cindy Crawford, Kamala Harris. (Photo Credit: Instagram/ Billie Eilish, Cindy Crawford, Kamala Harris)

Matching face masks with the outfits was a common theme that was noticed in celebrity fashion in 2020. From Billie Eilish’s Billboard look, Cindy Crawford’s multicoloured fashion to Kamala Harris’ V-P style, there are some matching sets that we cannot get enough off.

The shiny coverings

From left to right: Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez. (Photo Credit: Instagram/ Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez)

Sparkles and glitters are always a safe choice and celebs definitely did not miss these. Stars including Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez showed us that shiny accessories are no more limited to wild parties. Face masks definitely made the sparkles normal and easily usable in our daily lives.