We’re in the midst of a world-wide pandemic as coronavirus spreads across our nation and our world. Here in the US, we’ve all had to change the way we live very quickly in order to help combat the spread of this disease and flatten the curve so that our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed. Meanwhile, across the world, Italy’s healthcare system is already being taxed. Our healthcare workers are working overtime to help save lives as incredibly sick patients are admitted, overwhelming hospitals and leaving doctors, nurses and hospital staff without the proper gear to safely do their jobs.
It can be overwhelming to watch the news at a time when everything feels uncertain, but seeing countless fashion and beauty brands do their part to help where they can is inspiring. Brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, Ralph Lauren, Dior and more are helping to give back in various ways. Some are raising funds to help hospitals and distribute PPE (personal protective equipment) gear to healthcare workers and others are rising funds to aid families directly affected by this virus. See below for some of the brands that are doing their part.
Chanel
According to Business of Fashion, Chanel announced yesterday that it would begin production of face masks to help produce protective masks and blouses as coronavirus makes its way across France. Supplies are set to reach critically low shortages as healthcare professionals report that they are going through 40 million face masks per week. Prototype samples are currently in the process of being worked on and will be approved by French authorities.
Gucci
Gucci pledged to help fight this global pandemic by donating to two separate campaigns. The first was a 1 million euro donation to the Italian Civil Protection Department which will aid in sourcing new ICU beds and help Italy’s ailing health services.
Additionally, the Italian fashion house made a second 1 million euro donation to the UN’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. The fund supports the World Health Organization in collecting data on the spread of coronavirus and helps to supply personal protective equipment to health personnel.
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LVMH
LVMH, parent company of Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Christian Dior and more was one of the first luxury conglomerates to use their facilities to help fight coronavirus. On March 19th they began production of hand-sanitizing gel at some of its French facilities.
Prada
The Italian fashion label has begun production of 110,000 masks and 80,000 medical overalls, which will be distributed to healthcare personnel. The items will be produced at Pradsa’s factory in Montone which remains open in order to aid in the manufacturing of these emergency medical items.
Ralph Lauren
In addition to a $10 Million commitment from the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation to aid in COVID-19 relief efforts, the brand has also pledged to make 25,000 isolation gowns and 250,000 masks. The funds set aside by the RL Foundation will provide financial grants to Ralph Lauren colleagues facing obstacles such as medical, eldercare or childcare expenses. Additionally the grant will contribute to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was originally created after the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, but now it is being repurposed to held aid COVID-19 relief efforts. Now called A Common Thread: CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund will help raise and distribute funds to those most affected by the global pandemic.
Prabal Gurung
New York based designer Prabal Grung, working with NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, has vowed to help supply local hospitals in need with critical PPE gear. The designer’s team has been working to create a plan to manufacture this in-demand gear in light of the COVID-19 crisis.
Dior
Dior follows through with the initiative started by parent company LVMH by dedicating its Saint-Jean-De-Braye production facilities to produce hand sanitizing gel. The hydroalcoholic gel will be delivered to French health care authorities for distribution at local hospitals.
Gelareh Mizrahi
Every dollar raised by handbag designer Gelareh Mizrahi will be used to provide critical PPE gear to hospitals across the United States. The designer started the fundraiser to honor her brother who is an ER physician at a hospital in Brooklyn, NY. All funds raised will be used to purchase PPE gear from a CDC verified factory. Donate now.
Reformation
Reformation is using their factories and fabrics to create masks for essential workers in LA such as grocery store employees, sanitation workers and more. Creating a surplus of non-medical grade masks, ensures that medical grade supplies will be available to the healthcare workers who need them most.
Kering SA
In addition to its efforts made by Gucci, parent company Kering, has acted to help aid COVID-19 relief efforts. The company announced it would use the workshops of Saint Laurent and Balenciaga to manufacture masks. Additionally, ahead of its production of surgical masks, Kering announced it would be donating 3 million surgical masks purchased and imported from China.
Donatella Versace
Allegra and Donatella Versace have pledged a personal donation of 200,000 euro to help Milan’s San Rafaelle Hospitals ICU department.
Christian Siriano
Christian Siriano pledged to use his resources to help make masks ensuring that all legal requirements would be met. His team of pattern makers and sewers help make 1,000 masks in just 3 days.
