Fashion designers have found a valuable way to contribute in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Project Runway's Christian Siriano and Brandon Maxwell pledged to use their skills and resources to create much-needed supplies for healthcare workers, like face masks and gowns. Christian first used Twitter to offer his team's assistance to New York, after Gov. Andrew Cuomo expressed concern over a shortage of essential protective equipment.
"If @NYGovCuomo says we need masks my team will help make some," Christian tweeted. "I have a full sewing team still on staff working from home that can help." He also filmed a video of the mask's design process and posted it on Instagram. Gov. Cuomo's team responded with appreciation for Christian's contribution and asked, "Who's next?"
Well, shortly after, Brandon shared a message of his own and confirmed his team have started to make medical gowns. "In response to this global crisis, we are now focusing our creative efforts on manufacturing PPE (personal protective equipment), starting with gowns," he wrote in a letter posted to Twitter and Instagram. "We have spent the last week researching the appropriate medical textiles to create these gowns and are proud to provide these much needed items to the doctors and nurses on the front lines of this crisis."
Since Christian and Brandon's pledges to pitch in, other designers have offered their services, like Ralph Lauren, committing to a donation of $10 million to aid coronavirus relief efforts, as well as the production of face masks and isolation gowns. Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer, H&M, The Kering Group (including Gucci), The Armani Group, Gap Inc. (including Gap, Old Navy, Athleta, Banana Republic, and Intermix), Eileen Fisher, Cynthia Rowley, Michael Costello, Raul Penaranda, Prabal Gurung, Christina Karin, Alexis, Lafayette 148, and Naeem Khan have also been devoted to helping. Keep reading to see each designer/brand's contribution.
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