Behind the Masks

– The Artist –

After studying fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York City, Marianne Perry established her bourgeoning fashion career working as an assistant designer at Manale Couture, specializing in evening wear and bridal. While working full-time, Perry started to create elegantly crafted children’s wear and took on many private clients due to high demand. To further her craft, she accepted a designer job at Vivian Nicole Fine Children’s Wear and, in 2008, she established her own company Perry Precious, which offered handcrafted communion and formal wear to both stores and private clients in New York City. In the midst of a flourishing design career, Perry decided to slow down and take a break upon the arrival of her daughter in 2014. 

In the early spring of 2020, Perry got the urge to help. Inspired by the urgency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, she decided to put her skills to use to make much-needed masks for medical personnel. After learning from her friend that The Guild for Exceptional Children had no access to masks, Perry went straight to work. For the Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization, that offers assistance to children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities, Perry created decorative and functional face coverings for both patients and staff. 

Because of the growing need for masks, Perry kept producing more using high quality cottons. She donated hundreds of her handcrafted face coverings to hospital staff, family, friends, children, the elderly, local churches and businesses. She continues to create and donate masks to this day. 

Inspired by her love of design, and the need for decorative masks for weddings and celebrations, Perry decided to make elegant offerings with high-fashion flourishes. After her physical therapist asked her for masks for her wedding, Perry officially started her bridal collection. She sourced high-end fabrics and embellishments and let her creativity and years of design experience guide her. The resulting collection featured the finest lace, luxurious fabrics, and handcrafted beadwork that matched the elegance of the bridal party’s and groomsmen’s elegant attire. 

Marianne Perry offers custom-crafted high quality cotton masks to suit any event—and to match any ensemble.