Face mask fashion: Cuba's twist on the 'quince'

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Cuban girls celebrating their 'quinceanera' are giving a whole new meaning to the social media hashtag #coronabutmakeitfashion.

The quinceanera or 'quince', meaning 15th birthday celebration, is a rite of passage into womanhood throughout Latin America.

Girls in Havana are embracing this moment in history to make their photoshoots -- normally a glamorous affair, complete with hair, makeup and custom gowns -- uniquely of the moment, while protecting themselves and others, says Sofia Valenzuela, who's turning 15.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) SOFIA VALENZUELA, CELEBRATING HER QUINCEANERA, SAYING:

"I designed my quince dress, and the mask was very important because it marked an important stage in my life, which was the pandemic - it lasted three months - so I had to design my face masks to fit with my outfit and for all the colors to work. Apart from combining the colors, it was also for safety."

Cuba made face masks obligatory in public spaces early on in the outbreak and credits them with helping it contain the spread of the coronavirus on the island.

Some Cuban seamstresses have had to innovate, with some fabric shops still closed, making it difficult to create the perfect matching face covering, like this checkered mask, matching a checkered skirt. For a more urban look, a black mask to pair with black pants.

Photographer Manuel Padron, who has been shooting quinceaneras for more than 10 years, says the masks contribute to the look "as if it was part of the whole show."

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) QUINCEANERA PHOTOGRAPHER, MANUEL PADRON, SAYING:

"For young women, this contrast of the mask with the dress - the combination is striking. It is a fashion statement that I think will stay. They were looking for a way to combine the color of the clothes with their masks. These young women are excited and it catches your attention to see them with a mask in the photograph. They took selfies and it added something that's part of the whole experience that is their 'quince' photo."

Still, others will take the mask off for some socially distant glamor shots out in the ocean, but for most young women marking their quince, wearing a mask isn't too onerous, and will make their photos truly unlike any others.