During the COVID-19 pandemic, the obligatory wearing of masks has led to increased consumer demand and the diversification of mask design. Accordingly, it is necessary to understand the inner meaning and characteristics of masks in the pandemic situation. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to analyze the characteristics of fashionable masks and their new cultural meaning under the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is based on literature review and empirical research. Drawing on an investigation of the historical evolution of masks and their transition under the pandemic (exhibiting differences in mask culture among countries and regions), this study analyzed 54 distinctive fashion masks designed by fashion brands and influencers that appeared from January 2020 to January 2021. The characteristics of fashion masks identified under the influence of the pandemic are as follows: Message delivery on political issues and human rights; psychological defense and expression of individuality; and conspicuous display via luxurious materials and luxury brand logos; moreover, the design of the mask uses the same material, color, pattern, decoration, and other methods as clothing to achieve the overall style. Over the course of the pandemic (and even in post-pandemic lifestyle), fashion masks are becoming more diversified conveying new social and cultural meanings.

The purpose of this study is to provide basic data to assist students and industrial designers in fashion by examining the trend of designing women’s wear with the SCAMPER method. In the research, the seven types of SCAMPER methods for fashion design were classified based on the previous studies. From 2010 S/S to 2020 S/S, data from 5,149 photographs were collected through overlapping checks and classified by SCAMPER method type. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0 for frequency analysis. As a result, in the SCAMPER “combine” method, more than two items were combined, or structural details were combined with items. In the most applied “adapt” method was involved imitating similar images, or natural forms, or other objects. The “modify” method was applied by changing the shape of some details in basic fashion items. The “magnify” method was applied by enlarging, elongating, or elevating some details of fashion items. The “minify” method was applied by minimizing, shortening, or lowering some details of basic fashion. The method of “put to other use” was expressed throughout the clothing by using non-fabric or trimmings such as metal, beads, and strings. The “rearrange” method was applied by repositioning the top and bottom, front and back, or outside and inside in fashion items and in details. The “reverse” method was applied by reversing the style of fashion, mix-and-match fabric, or switching the gender of the fashion items.