April 2020 cover of a fashion magazine in Portugal features models wearing face masks

It's been almost a month since the World Health Organization has declared the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. It has forced several countries to implement lockdowns and most businesses to temporarily close. Almost all industries -- with the exception of those who provide basic necessities - have been severely affected by the shutdowns, including the fashion industry.

However, the pandemic has not prevented big fashion brands and designers to take bold moves in either contributing to the health crisis response -such as creating and donating personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitizers - or sending out important messages to the public through their art.

Face Mask: A Sign of the Times

The face mask has become a necessity worldwide, as it serves as one of the most effective protection one can have against COVID-19.

Most people around the world now wear face masks, especially when going out to public places or having close interactions with other people.

It has become so important and in-demand that there is now a worldwide shortage in the supply of face masks.

LVMH, parent company of Louis Vuitton, orders 40 million masks for France

Truly, the face mask has now become part of people's everyday life, a new normal, a sign of the times.

But, as much as it gives people the freedom to move around worry-free by providing protection against COVID-19, the face mask has also limited people's interactions in some way.

And, this seems to be the central idea around Vogue Portugal's April 2020 magazine cover.

Freedom on Hold

Vogue Portugal has recently unveiled its April 2020 magazine cover, featuring models and real-life couple Bibiána Baltovičová and Adam Bardy, who are attempting to kiss despite having barriers between them: face masks.

In their official Instagram account, Vogue Portugal explained the inspiration behind their April 2020 magazine cover. Part of their caption reads: “2020's freedom will be recognizable like this: in confinement. Be it within four walls, be it separated by a mask, always with a ray of light peeking from the window of a brighter and better future - with more freedom. And it'll be recognizable today and in ten years time.”

There's also another cover for Vogue Portugal's April 2020 issue with model Lily Stewart standing with eyes closed and arms crossed, seemingly oblivious to the bright light shining on her face. This appears to portray how most people are unaware of the 'bright future' or silver lining amid the ongoing pandemic.

What are your thoughts regarding the COVID-19 pandemic-themed April 2020 cover of Vogue Portugal? Feel free to sound off in the comments section.

If you want to read more news on the Coronavirus pandemic, click here.

And if you wish to make monetary donations in order to provide the much-needed medical supplies for the courageous Filipino medical frontliners, you can do so through GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Visit the Kapuso Foundation site here.

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