The rate of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to spike across much of the United States amid state reopenings, causing multiple states to pause or slow down on their planned phases. Knowing social media can be a powerful tool, designer Tory Burch reportedly kicked off the #WearADamnMask challenge to help slow the rate of COVID-19 cases. And a growing number of A-listers are taking it on in the hopes of raising awareness about the importance of wearing protective face coverings while out in public in order to stop the spread. As a result, Instagram, one of the easiest ways for celebrities to stay in touch with and send forceful messages directly to their fans, is a smorgasbord of mask-clad heavy hitters.
Burch took to the photo and video sharing platform to write a persuasive statement that stressed how wearing a mask can help protect ourselves as well as everyone around us. "I am sure you all are seeing what I am seeing, COVID-19 rates in the USA are rising at a truly scary rate. One thing I know for sure is that there's a very easy way each of us can help, and that's to #WearaDamnMask whenever we are in public. #WearaDamnMask because we want to protect ourselves and, even more importantly, we want to protect others. #WearaDamnMask because clearly, the doctors and data say we are not going to beat this pandemic unless we each do our part to get rid of it. #WearaDamnMask because is it not a political issue, it is an issue of saving lives. #WearaDamnMask because it is the only way to keep our most vulnerable safe and the only way to get our economy back on track," the designer, who has tapped into the face mask market, offering patterned masks made from repurposed swimsuit fabric, penned.
Pictured in a black-and-white paisley mask, Burch, the "Bohemian preppy" designer behind one of America’s most successful fashion labels, then called on celebrity friends to share their own masked selfies. Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, Tracee Ellis Ross, Prabal Gurung, in a floral design, and new "Harper’s BAZAAR" Editor-in-Chief Samira Nasr were among those to accept the challenge.
Another A-lister with Lebanese roots, Jenna Dewan, has been among those involved in the '#wearadamnmask' challenge. The actress and dancer posted a sweet picture in a mask with her three-month-old son Callum, captioning it “I #wearadamnmask for my family. For our grandparents. To keep my community safe. For Black and Brown communities who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. For all workers and healthcare workers who are bravely serving our communities. Because we all need to come together and do whatever we can TOGETHER.”
Sharing a picture with her son too, Selma Blair was another one proving a mask can look great while having a protective role, as Lady Gaga, spotted in a spiked number with chains, challenged the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Barack and Michelle Obama. Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, in a red and white checked mask, and Kourtney Kardashian, who challenged other famous family members, have also been busy advising their fans to wear masks.
