They range from the obscure to the demure. But these masks all have one thing in common — their makers are on a mission to raise money for charity.
Leading figures from the worlds of music, theatre, art, fashion and design have created the 50 Venetian-style masks, which will be auctioned off in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Harry Styles’s bright yellow mask carries the cryptic slogan “one day I’d like to meet your mouth”, while Jade Jagger opted for a demure gold design.
Other contributors include architect Zaha Hadid, whose mask conceals the wearer’s whole face, Alice Temperley, who has created a leopard print mask, and fellow designer Henry Holland, who is recognisable only by his hair in his spotted creation.
The masks have been commissioned to mark the 50th anniversary of Daphne’s restaurant in South Kensington. They will be showcased at a Venetian masked ball at the Richard Caring-owned restaurant next Tuesday before going on display for a month. They will then be sold off, with a starting price of £250.
Mr Caring said: “Daphne’s has been at the forefront of the party and society columns throughout its rich and colourful history, and people are always telling me how much they love the restaurant. In its 50th year, I’m delighted that we’re working once again with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity on this fun fundraising project.
“[It] will no doubt create fierce competition amongst the great and good who have generously given their time and talent to create these masks. I can’t wait to see the finished products.”
Rebecca Tyrrell, of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, said: “We’re delighted that Daphne’s have chosen to work with us again.”
