THE FASHION INDUSTRY STEPS FORWARD TO ASSIST WITH THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

In the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, an outpouring of support is coming from our fashion leaders. These are trying times for us all, and not a single one of us can dodge its impact. Generally, Fashion Forward Men serves as an escape for many. Some may come for tips, and more imformative purposes, some may even come to look at cool clothes and gorgeous men. You can still do all of that but, it would be a disservice to our readers not to address this. 

Most of you are probably quarintined in your homes. Many businesses with the exception of essentials (pharmacies, grocery stores, transit systems, etc) have been urged to closed their doors in order to isolate this virus and keep it from spreading. As a result of this, many people are out of work and have no income coming in. We are also faced with fears with about what can potentially happen when we absolutely need to step outside. 

Many individuals have began wearing protective masks to take preventative measures. Not necessarily something that was in great demand (especially in the U.S.) until this pandemic, America now faces the need for a greater supply. With the rapid rise of this virus infecting people, hospitals across the United States are desperate to obtain more. 

On March 20, New York Govenor Andrew Cuomo took to twitter asking for companies to come of with creative ways to supply healthcare workers with gloves, gowns, and masks. Quickly rising to the challenge was Project Runway Winner/accomplished designer Christian Siriano with a response. "If NYGovCuomo says we need masks, my team will help make some. I have a full sewing team still on staff that working from home that can help." he tweeted. 

pictured: Christian Siriano

Siriano did as he promised. taking to instagram, he posted he and his teams progress. One can only imagine how interesting this process is, the entire team is working separtely from their own homes. The designer also plans to make masks that will meet F.D.A. standards. 

pictured: Kerby Jean-Raymond

Fashion designer of Pyer Moss, Kerby Jean- Raymond is coming to aid of communities. This is comes as no shock, Jean-Raymond is very concious and extremly vocal as to what's going on in the world, especially when it comes to speaking up for the issues that Black people in America face. 

On March 20 (on the same days as Siriano), Jean-Raymond also took to instargram with his concerns (see screenshot).

Assisting the medical professionals is an amazing service, and knowing that this could assist in the safety and well being of his own sister, one can empathize with the urgency that he must be feeling. 

Jean-Raymond has also formed a network called Your Friends in New York,  which will provide resources to those in need during this trying time. He has also set aside $50,000 to obtain and distribute these items. 

pictured: Willy Chavarria

New York based designer Willy Chavarria recognizes the difficulties that parents may be facing to feed their children. With school systems being temorarily shut down, parents are surely facing a heaving burden of having to supply their little ones with lunch and snacks.  Utilizing his platform on instagram to reach out to his 23K (+) followers and visitors, Chavarria expressed how much of a mess he thinks the world is right now. 

"While we weather this storm and look out for ourselves, we also make our love-power stronger by helping others whenever and whereever possible. Millions of our country's children depend on school lunch to get fed for the day. These kids need help right now with schools all shut down," he says. 

Chavarria has informed his audience about the organization No Kid Hungry. This organization supplies children with breakfast, summer meals, and even after school meals. He has stated the he and his team will what they can to help others in need duris this crisis. You can too by visiting www.nokidhungry.org.  

Although infections of the Coronavirus originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, new cases are being reported daily from around the world. Italy has suffered the most fatalities of any reported country. As of right now, 13,000 people have globally died. 5476 of these confirmed deaths have come from Italy alone. 

The fashion industry has been basically been brought to a screeching halt. The infectious disease has caused designers and fashion houses to make major adjustments to their calendars. Iconic designer Giorgio Armani recently postponed his Fall 2021 cruise show which was scheduled to take place in Dubai in April. 

pictured: Giorgio Armani

Since March 10, the day Italy's lockdown began, all of the Armani stores and restaurants closed there doors. "The health and wellbeing of my employees have always been and continue to be my priority," Armani states in an interview for Forbes magazine. Armani has also donated 1.3 million dollars to three hospitals in Milan. 

Chairman and CEO of Moncler,Remo Ruffini has donated $10.8 million dollars to authorities in the Lombardy region. This area was majorily effected by the virus. This new center will house more than 400 intensive care units. 

pictured: Remo Ruffini

The internationally known fashion family Benetton has also stepped forward with funding. 

Edizione Srl, the families investment arm donated over 3 million dollars to hospitals in Milan, Rome, and Treviso. 

pictured: Luciano Benetton

At times like these, we have to realize that we are all in this togther. This isn't a rich or 

poor disease. And regardless of what you may here, it isn't a Chinese, American, or Italian disease either. The average Joe may not be able to donate millions, but what we can do to prevent the spread is to listen to the professionals. Stay in doors, and wash your hands. If you do have to go outside, please be concious of social distancing, and do not touch your face. Hand sanitizer is alwasy great to have on hand. If you are able to contribute, there are numerous organizations that well lglady except your donations. 

Take care of yourselves.

FASHION FORWARD MEN founder 

-RUDY REED