If there's one thing that's really been grinding my gears about face masks lately, it's that they don't have a vulvas on them.
GRRRR!
Of course, I'm joking. But just in case that was an issue for anyone, Brisbane-based Lulu Geraghty is making crochet vulva-adorned face masks regardless.
Advert
The social worker, 42, has added the accessory to her already bulging collection of genitalia-themed knitted items.
Lulu - who already makes vulva tea cosies and hats in her free time - said she had a spare vulva lying around (as you do) so decided to add it to a face mask for an interesting twist.
"I had a spare vulva just lying around so I whacked it on, for a bit of fun," she explained.
Advert
"It just seemed to lighten the mood a bit. I don't want to minimise the seriousness of coronavirus but I think we do need to be lighthearted as well."
While the crocket pro admits the mask is "more a fashion item" since it doesn't meet medical standards, it will certainly "help with social distancing".
While Lulu's vulva creations are certainly niche, we do appreciate her reasons for beginning to make them.
Advert
The Aussie started making the crotched body parts in 2017 to start a conversation about female positivity and stigma.
While the crocket pro admits the mask is "more a fashion item" since it doesn't meet medical standards, it will certainly "help with social distancing".
While Lulu's vulva creations are certainly niche, we do appreciate her reasons for beginning to make them.
Advert
The Aussie started making the crotched body parts in 2017 to start a conversation about female positivity and stigma.
"I like to be a little bit confrontational and I like to have the competing ideas of something really uncomfortable with something pretty and domestic," says Lulu.
"What I really wanted to do was break down the taboo - this anxiety that many women feel about the appearance of their vulvas.
Advert
"It's amazing how many women don't even know the basic words for their anatomy.
"I deliberately make them a little bit frilly, asymmetrical and hairy. Every one is different."
Lulu makes tea cosies on commission, while she also made vagina and penis hats - the latter of which gives new meaning to the term 'd*ckhead'.
She adds: "They're pretty divisive. People have strong reactions - they either love them and think they're great, or they're just repulsed."
The crocheter says there are no rules and she simply freestyles with her designs.
"The thing about vulvas is there's no rules. You can just make it wobbly and however you like. I guess that's part of why I like doing it," she says.
"Sadly the idea there is an ideal vulva is very censored and unrealistic.
"Young women especially feel under pressure when actually they're totally normal.
"Even now more than ever. Procedures like labiaplasty, or vulval surgery, are on the increase, even for teenage girls. I find that really worrying.
"I thought we had come a long way in terms of body positivity and understanding inner beauty and being able to express yourself. I feel that there's still a lot of pressure."
Lulu has been hoping to display her creations at Seattle Erotic Art Festival, but it has been postponed due to coronavirus.
During lockdown, Lulu has been working from home in her job as a social worker for domestic violence victims and crafts her vulvas during her "downtime" to help her unwind.
Lulu has even posted a YouTube tutorial on how to make your own vulva tea cosy - now what a gift that would be!
Featured Image Credit: SWNSTopics: Style News, Health