US Fashion House Kiyonna® Launches Project Masker-AID™ – Protective Face Masks Designed for All

Kiyonna launches Masker-AID, protective face masks designed for all.

Innovation and heart come together to define the country’s new mantra “Were all in this together”

ANAHEIM, CA., April 28, 2020

Kiyonna, a women’s plus size clothing designer and manufacturer best known and loved for its special occasion dresses and gowns, today introduced Masker-AID , a better face mask designed to meet all CDC requirements for protective cloth face coverings. No strangers to the intricacies of crafting a perfect fit, Kiyonna’s new Masker-AID masks are comfortable, multi-layer, 100% cotton, breathable, reusable, reversible, unisex, washable, and made in the USA. The first release of Masker-AID masks is available in an assortment of eye-catching colors: Sage Green, Prussian Blue, Boudreaux, and a pretty Wisteria Floral with hints of lavender. Retailing at $14 each, Kiyonna is determined to bring an affordable solution to the public, while donating desperately needed protective masks to its Orange County and Los Angeles homeless communities weekly.

“We knew it was in our DNA to create something that could fuse comfort, style, and protection,” says Kiyonna’s founder and CEO Kim Khanbeigi. On April 3, the CDC announced a recommendation that Americans wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. After consulting with a local hospital on what would be appropriate for their non-front-line personnel, the company tested dozens of mask designs already on the market. “The sculpting around the nose, pleating at the sides, cupping under the chin, and correct tension created by the elastic all had to come together in harmony while avoiding discomfort or ear strain,” explains Melissa Tiensvold, Kiyonna’s Head of Production and Product Development.

Unlike many of its fashion counterparts, the company opted not to use existing fabric in its warehouse to ramp up production quickly. “While our fabric may feel like butter and have amazing stretch, we needed something where the fibers were more tightly woven together and 100% natural in order to protect against particle infiltration and expulsion,” says Kim. The team knew that comfort wasn’t just a luxury, but would influence how long a user would actually wear the mask. Because of this, each Masker-AID mask is comprised of two layers of soft, breathable cotton and an inner filtration layer for added protection.

“As this pandemic evolved, it became evident that sheltering in place is a privilege not everyone has,” says Eddie Khanbeigi, Kiyonna’s COO and General Counsel. “We can’t say “We’re all in this together,” as we pass the clustered tents of our homeless communities each day.” The reality for the homeless is that social distancing is impossible, and there is no easy access to resources like hand sanitizer and masks. It is feared the disease could quickly spread throughout this community, where population density is dangerous and the virus explosive, counteracting the current stay-at-home mandate for those with shelter. With over 60,000 homeless in Los Angeles and an estimated 7,000 in Orange County, Kiyonna is determined to help. Donations of Masker-AID masks to organizations like Charity on Wheels in Orange County are intended to help slow the spread and keep amazing outreach volunteers safe as well.

About Kiyonna

Kiyonna has styled curvy women with its collection of contemporary plus size dresses and separates since 1996. Offering styles in sizes 0x-5x, their fashions can be found online, in specialty boutiques, and in retailers such as Nordstrom, Macy’s, and David’s Bridal. Kiyonna strives to support its local community with 100% of the collection designed and manufactured in the USA, specifically in Orange County, California. Known for more than fashion, Kiyonna is involved in many charitable organizations and its team is passionate about using the success of its unique niche to make a difference.

For more information, visit www.kiyonna.com.