I am still wrapping my head around how to proceed with life during this pandemic, and people have managed to race two steps ahead and come up with luxury PPE. For instance, a Pune Man created a gold mask worth ₹3 lakh and started a meme fest online, or how a Surat shop sold diamond masks for weddings, which left all of us saying ‘shaadi budget idhar hi khatam’.
As per a report in The Indian Express, luxury brand Louis Vuitton has announced a new face shield costing $961 (approximately Rs. 70,610) as part of their new 2021 Cruise Collection:-
CNN quotes the French fashion house Louis Vuitton’s statement that the luxe face shield is designed to be “both stylish and protective.” Reportedly, other features of the “eye-catching” product include gold studs with the brand name’s engraving, an elastic monogrammed headband, and a movable visor that transitions from clear to dark in sunlight, that would enable wearers to wear it upwards like a “classic peaked hat.”
People’s responses ranged from shields not being as effective as face masks to criticizing the brand for capitalizing on the pandemic.
Twitter, as usual, had some hilarious reactions in store for the expensive accessory:-
Though purchasing power and purchasing decision is each individual's prerogative. I personally believe being humble and frugal is one of the message from Mother Nature through this pandemic!! But each individual has his/her own choice to make.
— V.V. Ganesha (@wizofhaz) September 15, 2020
So luxury cars and designer clothes aren’t enough of an attempt to elevate ourselves above others. Now we accessorize with golden studded face shields which will make our war against COVID so much more effective while those paper masked people haven’t a chance.
— J Taylor (@JillSilverShoes) September 15, 2020
Why are luxury brands so myopic, no blind. Utter nonsense. Well there will be many hedons who will want to make a fashion statement even in a calamity. Vulgar.
— PREETI SINGH (@preetitejsingh) September 15, 2020
— Adriano (@adrianowbarros) September 15, 2020
— Black_In_Amerikka (@ejamesjohn) September 15, 2020
— Jimm Wiedeman (@jimmsquared) September 15, 2020
Making money on the back of a pandemic
— Linda M (@popstarsmam_mc) September 15, 2020
Maybe gold prevents the virus?
— Terry 🎮 (@_terry2020) September 15, 2020
Ugh, this is one of those things that makes me lose hope.
— Shirin A (@Sheerinaf) September 15, 2020
— شرييا الدوسري (@SDossaryyy) September 15, 2020
Whats the use if it doesn't provide better protection than a normal shield/mask
— sami-ur-rehman (@drsamirehman) September 15, 2020
But serves the same purpose pic.twitter.com/oNwKgHXraM
— among stella ruth (@mngstella) September 15, 2020
Never knew that we would see protective gear turn into luxury accessories in this manner. What do you think? Would you consider splurging on something like this? Tell us!
Cover Image Source- Left