Since the onset of the Codid-19 pandemic, and amid controversy over its widespread use, we were aware of the importance of the mask as a barrier or shield between us and the rest of the people who were possibly healthy or sick, displaying or not symptoms in public. The medical community more or less maintained that the wearer is protecting others, while most other people believed that they are protected from others’ unexpected cough or sneeze and the innocent or dangerous droplets released in the air as a result of that. Experts also supported the idea that medical-grade or surgical masks are for all of us while respirator masks such as the N95 type are needed by doctors, nurses, and hospital staff that are interacting with patients tested positive for the dubious novel coronavirus. Social distancing helps yet people feel definitely safer when their are wearing even the simplest non-medical mask. With their showrooms shut down and their employees isolating in various locations, designers decided to offer their remote resources for the benefit of the community. As masters in pattern-making, many American designers invented comfortable and stylish shapes for their masks – some of them even shared all the tips/process – and asked from their seamstresses to sew them from fabrics available already as inventory or leftovers in their ateliers. Creativity channeled towards good, is the best news we can get in the middle of a crisis. Once again fashion gives back to the community in a tangible way. Some of the masks were given to their customers, others to people in need, and a great part to nurses and all those working for American hospitals that are lacking infrastructure or are running out of resources. With a great degree of optimism and appreciation, let’s pay homage to these generous creatives and their valuable contributions.
Tanya Taylor teamed up with their trusted local factories to create 5,000 masks for the hospitals. The designer is additionally asking for your tiny donation so that she keeps on sewing new masks to alleviate the burden existing due to limited supplies.
At Glady Stamez Millinery expertise for headpieces is channeled towards the creation of ultra-stylish silk masks. The CFDA member posted some amazing leopard print styles and is also giving part of the sales to feed children in need via the @blessingsinabackpack organization.
Favorite LA brand Chrome Hearts is currently creating masks and in general protective equipment for healthcare workers in their factory with the help of their volunteering employees.
At Brooks Brothers some of their tie-producing factories shifted into facilities that are currently manufacturing 150,000 masks per day and potentially more protective equipment. To battle Covid-19 on a national level they also partnered with the CEO members of the StopTheSpread.org coordinating actions across states and organizations.
Monique Péan ordered N99 military grade masks when she first heard about the virus to donate them to doctors in need. The ethical fine jewelry designer is also urging us to contribute via Getusppe.org.
Always technical and detail-oriented designer Marcia Patmos of M.Patmos tested meticulously a new prototype of a mask to be sold online with 10% of the sales promised to Food Bank For New York City.
Commando is highlighting one of their employees helping with the sewing of masks that will be donated. The intimates and luxury tech-fashion basics brand is also asking us to nominate a nurse that might get from them a $200 gift card as a ‘thank you’ gesture.
Pamela Love addresses jewelry & crafts studios who might have some N95 masks previously used by the employees as protection from chemicals and asks them to donate them to doctors. She found in her studio some as well, and she offers to help with picking up other studios’ long-forgotten life-saving equipment and deliver it to various medical facilities.
At Ralph Lauren the $10 million donation is accompanied with an initiative involving the creation of 250,000 masks and 25,000 isolation gowns in collaboration with the CFDA.
In partnership with the Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo, designer Prabal Gurung is manufacturing PPE for medical workers and first responders and at the same time is mobilizing local producers and suppliers to contribute.
Sustainable designer Eileen Fisher tested materials and patterns for masks and PPE with the help of their seamstresses to be donated to frontline workers.
Lisa Marie Fernandez is also shifting their ateliers into mask and hospital gown production facilities. The luxury resort wear company declares that we are all together in this.
Alice + Olivia also donates one mask for every mask they are selling with ultimate goal the donation of 100,000 masks. In this page (top right image) Creative Director Stacey Bendet is posing with her daughters in their fun mask styles. Get ready to shop for a cause!
