Fashion 5-0: Beijing Unmasked

Beijing isn't all "blue sky days." Sometimes it's pretty, erm, foggy here. That's when you need to cold rock a mask. Just don't mention swine flu.

What says pollution-aware and image-conscious more than buying a patterned facemask? (Maybe a radioactive beret or keeping sewage in a crystal decanter.)
I don’t know. All I know is pollution is not meant to be this cheery.

Mask weather also marks the start of Beijing’s unofficial “Dressing as Shredder” competition. This gent has undoubtedly done a good job but the lady comes out victorious. She gets extra points for her location between the rats in Sanlitun and the turtles sold on the Third Ring Road. Thus pre-empting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 4: Beijing.

Necessity is the mother of invention for the frugal hypochondriac. Hoods aren't just for anti-social youngsters ... you can use them to cover your face too. Just not from the police, kid.

And you thought Christmas came but once a year. You have to admit this is worth a smile. Just ask her backseat passenger/protégé.

Those unwilling to stoop to sporting a mask can always rely on looking haughty.
The Air Pollution Index is well-known to fear its social betters. Fact.
(NB. May not be an actual fact.)

The surgical-style mask is just what the doctor ordered, and the best way to wear it is OG style. No, not Ice-T OG but Beijing OG: Original Grandma. This is the 2010 version of slanting the brim on your flat-peak New Era cap.