Fashion as a Catalyst for Change
As we find ourselves uncharted territory with the recent global pandemic, the fashion industry is pulling together their resources to support the fight against the novel Coronavirus.
We could list the many names and labels that have made monetary donations to the cause, but instead we want to recognize the creative and out-of-the-box thinking companies are utilizing in this time of need. Whether it be a source network, manufacturing contributions or even a web series, these fashion names have found dynamic ways to make charitable contributions.
Many companies have put manufacturing of their own products on hold as they offer to produce necessary accessories, such as masks and medical suits. Gucci has produced one million masks and 55,000 pairs of overalls to be donated to Italian medical workers. Prada has produced 110,000 masks and 80,000 medical suits to be distributed among healthcare workers in Tuscany, Italy. Canada Goose has manufactured surgical overalls for medical workers and patient gowns. Ralph Lauren has produced 250,000 surgical masks and 25,000 medical gowns at its U.S. manufacturing facilities. In addition to manufacturing 10,000 cloth masks for non-medical workers, Sandro Paris has also organized breakfast every Friday at hospital facilities to support local medical workers.
Powerhouse LVMH has pivoted its perfume manufacturing capabilities to make a free sanitizing gel for hospitals and local authorities. The group produced mass amounts of a hydroalcoholic gel, which they donated to French health authorities and the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris.
Fashion retailer H&M has chosen to utilize their resources in a different way. While the world's second-biggest fashion retailer has temporarily shut down the majority of its stores due to the pandemic, H&M have since mobilized their suppliers around the globe. The retailer is now using its supply chain to source medical supplies to be distributed across European hospitals and in many countries that have already run short of equipment and protective gear for health workers.
And while morale might be low, Vogue and the CFDA have used its means to establish A Common Thread, a fundraising initiative to support struggling designers and manufacturers impacted by the coronavirus. This support includes the premier of a video series called “A Common Thread,” which documents the stories of how American designers, their workers and their colleges are coping as well as how businesses have been affected.
The question we know you’re all secretly asking: How in the world can I get my hands on a mask made by Gucci or Prada?
These companies mentioned above are just a sample of the many making contributions on behalf of the fashion industry. We applaud efforts made at this time and especially applaud brands that are going above and beyond to find unique ways to offer their support.
Although, we should expect nothing less from all the creative minds that lead the forefront of the fashion industry. Historically, fashion has been a catalyze for change, and today we see how that remains true even today.