Vienna Business Steps Up To Make Masks Amid Temporary Closure

VIENNA, VA — Lingerie store Trousseau temporarily closed in March due to the new coronavirus pandemic, but owners Sarah and Michael Wiener have been busy fulfilling orders. Those orders don't involve the wide selection of bras typically fitted in store. Instead, they've been making handmade masks to donate to health care workers and others who request them. By the end of the week, the Wieners expect they'll have made over 1,000 masks.

The idea started when the couple learned Carine's Bridal Atelier in DC was making masks for hospitals. They made masks in partnership with the bridal boutique before organizing their own effort after connecting with a nurse practitioner.

Trousseau, which has been at 306 Maple Avenue West for about 20 years, plans to keep making masks as long as people request them. They have shipped masks as far as New York, Connecticut and Canada.

Recipients range from regular citizens to local restaurant workers and Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, a veterans hospital in Richmond. Michael Wiener told Patch homeless veterans are included in those donations. Some of Trousseau's vendors have also contributed care packages with items such as socks and sports bras for hospital workers.

As interest in the masks grows, so did neighborhood efforts to make them. Regular customers have donated fabric, and local teens pitch in with tasks like cutting and sewing. Anyone can contact the business to get involved.

"We're happy to provide the pattern and instructions to anyone who wants them," said Sarah Wiener.

Masks are based on a design recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each mask comes down below the chin and is fitted with wire on the bridge of the nose so it fits snugly. A person can choose to tie it around their head or loop it around their ears.

Some of Trousseau's handmade masks include HEPA filters, designed to be more effective at filtering small particles. These masks are reserved for high-risk individuals.

Michael Wiener, who has an underlying health condition that puts him at higher risk from the virus, is firm in supporting face mask wearing during the pandemic. When the store does reopen, it will be by appointment with face coverings required for customers and staff.

"If everybody wears masks, we'll be in much better shape," he said.

The business employs 10 people and has kept on staff who want to be covered with medical coverage. But since business dropped off amid the crisis, revenue is a fraction of what it normally is. Michael Wiener said the pandemic's impact is worse than shopping center fire about a decade ago, which took them four weeks to reopen. Even when retail stores reopen, the owners believe consumers in general will be cautious about shopping for their own safety.

Sarah Wiener told Patch the business is working on appointments and hopes to reopen by the end of May. The couple will also celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in September.

For updates on the store, visit www.trousseaultd.com.