March 31, 2020

With all the doom and gloom surrounding us, big fashion companies are stepping up to support the unsung heroes (healthcare workers) at the frontlines, in a joint effort to fight the coronavirus. From producing hand sanitisers to pledging millions of dollars in donations, it’s inspiring and uplifting to see that these brands aren’t just driven by profit. To help flatten the curve, here are seven fashion designers and companies that are battling the pandemic.

Prada

To ease the shortage of medical supplies in Tuscany, Italy, Prada will be producing 110,000 face masks and 80,000 medical garments for hospitals in the area. They have also pledged the funding of two new Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in three hospitals in Milan.

LVMH 

LVMH is not new to philanthropy and has been continuously giving back to charitable causes for a few decades now. This time, LVMH business and factories are going to produce and deliver hand sanitisers to local hospitals in France–even boldly promising 40 million surgical masks to support medical staff. On top of that, they have donated 16 million RMB to the Chinese Red Cross Foundation to fight the virus.

Gucci

Like Prada, Gucci is providing surgical masks and medical overalls for frontline workers in Italy. What’s more, the Italian brand is supporting two crowdfunding campaigns: generously donating 1 million euros to the Italian Civil Protection Department, and another 1 million euros to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund in support of the World Health Organisation.

Chanel

The French fashion house has mobilised its workforce to produce protective masks and hospital gowns for the National Health Service. Apart from showing their physical support, Chanel has also donated 1.2 million euros to an emergency fund for the public hospital system.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is pledging USD 10 million dollars to the Covid-19 relief efforts. The funds will go towards various causes like the World Health Organisation Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund and the CFDA’s “A Common Thread” initiative, which supports businesses that have been suffering because of the disease. In addition, the company is looking to see if they can aid the production of medical-grade masks, gowns, and other hospital materials.

Christian Siriano

Project Runway alum Christian Siriano tweeted a photo of his full sewing team working from home, slaving away to produce washable and bleachable masks for the New York government. He’s even offered to make more upon request. In just three days, his team made 1,000 N95 masks. Apparently, another 1,000 more are on their way.

Pyer Moss 

Designer Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss will be converting his New York office into a donation centre for N95 masks and other medical supplies. That aside, he has plans to donate US$50,000 to minority and women-owned businesses impacted by the pandemic.

Image credit: LVMH