As mask mandates continue to grow across the nation, alumna Jenna Nelson (Pyörälä) (MFA, design, ‘19) is among the innovative designers with a mission to inspire people worldwide to wear them. Her company Luova Flow (Luova is “creative” in Finnish) has released a series of colorful masks with ornamental prints and beautiful illustrations.

Inspired by nature, Luova Flow strives to create organically flowing prints and well-made, quality products. With handmade, cotton face masks as its first product, Luova Flow seeks to offer a beautiful and more sustainable alternative to disposable masks that often become litter after a single use. Crafted with care in Finland, all masks are made out of double-layered cotton. Their cotton straps are adjustable with attached cord locks for a better fit.

“At a scary moment of chilly scientific statistics and disappeared faces, Jenna drew on her signature craft-based, folkloric style to bring some delight to this new sort of outerwear,” said Professor Simon Sadler, Department of Design chair. “I’ve been wearing one of her designs for longer than I want to think about, and I’ve lost count of how many times strangers have stopped me to say how much they love it. That sort of human contact matters more than ever!”

For more information, visit the Luova Flow website.