Like every industry, the fashion world is being hit hard by COVID-19. Stores have shut down indefinitely, and the annual star-studded Met Gala was postponed indefinitely.
But as the world grapples with a new reality, a slew of powerhouse brands are pivoting from producing clothes to manufacturing protective masks, gowns, and other supplies to help combat the spread of the virus. To keep track of all the latest happenings, we’ve compiled a list of how fashion heavyweights are responding to the pandemic. Check back here for updates.
Nike
Nike is donating $5.5 million worth of product, including its new Air Zoom Pulse sneakers, to frontline healthcare workers in Barcelona, Chicago, Laakdal (Belgium), London, Los Angeles, Memphis, Milan, New York City and Paris. Nike recently introduced its Air Zoom Pulse sneakers, which comes in a slip-on silhouette for easy removal, a tight fit and cushion for comfortability for long shifts.
DKNY
DKNY released its new Essential Tee, a comfortable T-shirt that comes in white or black in support of the healthcare workers. All of the proceeds will benefit NYC COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.
Bvlgari
From May 1 to May 8, Bvlgari will donate 10 percent of its sales to Save the Children’s fight against COVID-19 in the U.S. and Canada. The donation will support the organization’s efforts to ensure children have food and educational resources throughout the summer.
StockX
StockX launched a charity raffle, auctioning off items like Air Jordan 1s and a signed Kobe Bryant jersey, for the United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund in support of the World Health Organization. The raffle has raised over $199,000 so far, which will be used to provide healthcare workers with essential personal protective equipment (PPE).
J. Crew
J.Crew and Madewell donated 75,000 single-use face masks to Montefiore Health System hospitals in New York. J. Crew will also sell nonmedical, reusable masks (in sets of three) in their signature striped and gingham fabrics online. Each mask is double-layered and has elastic ear loops, as well as an opening for a removable filter (not included).
Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger is donating more than 10,000 white t-shirts to healthcare workers in Europe and the U.S. The T-shirts will support healthcare workers working directly with COVID-19 patients, as they can be forced to change shirts multiple times in a shift. In addition to the donation, Hilfiger will also launch a capsule collection of limited-edition t-shirts and sweatshirts with all proceeds going to COVID-19 relief efforts.
Prabal Gurung
Prabal Gurung donated 2,000 N95 masks to local New York hospitals in partnership with The COVID Foundation. All of the hospitals that received the PPE were carefully selected and communities in underserved or marginalized areas in New York were prioritized.
Vince
Vince donated 30,000 masks to hospitals throughout the New York and Los Angeles areas. The brand also hosted a charity auction to benefit organizations like Meals on Wheels and God’s Love We Deliver. Vince cashmere and leather as well as Vince Collective products were among the items auctioned at the event. The auction raised more than $15,000 benefitting the two charities.
Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta is donating funds to scientific research to stop the spread of COVID-19. The money will support the healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic and those behind the scenes dedicating their time to research.
“We recognize that supporting the medical professionals who are saving the lives of others must be our priority during this time, which includes those working tirelessly to tackle the devastating impact of Covid-19 and its enduring effects, through scientific research,” Daniel Lee, creative director of Bottega Veneta, said in a statement. “With these scholarships we are able to contribute to securing the future of our global health by supporting their admirable and courageous work.”
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton announced it will repurpose its American workshops in Piscataway, NJ, Ontario, CA, Johnson County, TX, San Dimas, CA, and Irwindale, CA to produce non-surgical face masks.
The face masks Louis Vuitton will produce will be made of cotton cloth so they can be re-used, washed and adjusted to better fit users. Masks will be donated and distributed in vulnerable states heavily impacted by Covid-19 and Louis Vuitton will partner with local organizations in each state to support.
Yoox Net-a-Porter Group
After launching its food delivery van service back in March, Yoox Net-a-Porter Group is extending its Volunteered Vehicles initiative and donating its fleet to non-profit God’s Love We Deliver to support its Emergency Shelf-Stable Meal Drive. God’s Love We Deliver has already successfully delivered 140,000 meals, containing 14 days’ worth of non-perishable food, to vulnerable communities and people living with severe illnesses across all five boroughs of New York, in Hudson County, and Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.
Loewe
Spanish luxury label Loewe will be donating 100,000 surgical masks to the Spanish Red Cross and non-surgical masks to volunteer workers, Loewe employees and their families. In addition, Loewe will be donating proceeds from every product in its Paula’s Ibiza collection. For every product sold, Loewe will donate 40 euros to support educational projects for kids, starting with an initial donation of 500,000 euros. “To achieve this, Loewe is collaborating with Plataforma de Infancia — a Spanish alliance of social organizations that works to protect children and adolescents’ rights — to launch a series of educational programs this summer in Spain which aims to reduce inequality and school dropouts,” the brand said in a statement.
La Ligne
La Ligne recently launched its Giving Back initiative in which it will offer 15 percent off site wide and will donate 15 percent of total sales to a different charity each week until this period of quarantine ends. The initiative kicked off its first week with Baby2Baby and its second week with World Central Kitchen, which launched their initiative #chefsforamerica to provide fresh meals to communities that need support, feeds frontline healthcare workers, and more.
ThirdLove
To keep nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers comfortable as they work tirelessly on the front lines, ThirdLove will donate 1,000 sets of bras and underwear to workers at the University of California San Francisco and several hospitals on the east coast. In addition, the brand has already donated 2,000 surgical masks to UCSF in response to the virus.
American Eagle/Aerie
AEO Inc., which houses American Eagle and its sister brand, Aerie, have committed $1 million to COVID-19 relief efforts. The brands will also donate more than one million masks to public health workers in vulnerable communities and have joined forces with America’s Food Fund (AFF) to ensure that people have reliable access to food.
David Yurman
The Yurman Family Foundation announced a $1 million donation to COVID-19 related causes. As for the company, Yurman said furloughed employees will continue to receive benefits
“For us, jewelry has always been a way of connecting with other people and expressing our feelings. Sybil, Evan and I, along with the design team, continue to collaborate on new collections with a heartfelt message that we hope will express comfort and beauty,” he said in a statement.
Kate Spade New York
The Kate Spade New York Foundation will be donating $100,000 to their partner Crisis Text Line, a program that provides mental health counseling and emotional support to doctors and nurses as they grapple with the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
Kate Spade’s parent company, Tapestry, is also donating $2 million to the NYC Department of Small Business Services to provide support to small businesses in New York City affected by COVID-19.
Graff
On Thursday, April 9, fine jewelry brand Graff announced it has donated $1 million to the Solidarity Response Fund to support the workers on the frontlines.
Ugg
UGG, along with its parent company, Deckers Brands, has launched the new initiative Better Together, where the brands will donate more than $1 million to the COVID-19 relief efforts through monetary and product donations.
“Our hearts are with our friends, colleagues, customers and those on the frontlines during this pandemic. The newly launched Better Together initiative aims to deliver relief, support and comfort to those most in need. We are in this together,” Dave Powers, president & CEO of Deckers Brands, said in a statement.
Ugg will also be partnering with select hotels that have opened their rooms to frontline workers and first responders. When the workers return to their rooms at the end of the day, they’ll be met with comfy Ugg products like cozy robes and slippers.
Toms
Starting on April 1, Toms will be donating one-third of its net profits to the COVID-19 Global Giving Fund, a fund created to support Giving Partners currently on the frontlines of the health crisis. For every $3 Toms makes, it will donate $1 to the COVID-19 Global Giving Fund.
“Toms has always been in business to improve lives. That mission is important to us and our community everyday. Now, more than ever, we are honored to apply what we have learned over the past 14 years of giving to address this global health crisis,” Amy Smith, Toms chief giving officer, said in a statement. “We know the best way to help is to use our resources and the power of our customer’s purchase to invest in our giving partners who are on the frontlines directly addressing this pandemic. We are grateful for these deep partnerships and are eager, together with our customers, to continue to support their efforts to combat COVID-19.”
The Global Giving Fund currently supports Americares, Crisis Text Line, International Medical Corps, Partners in Health, and WaterAid.
Kontoor Brands
Kontoor Brands, the company behind Wrangler and Lee, has announced it will be producing 50,000 level one patient gowns and 10,000 disposable isolation gowns to be delivered to North Carolina-based hospitals, including Wake Forest Baptist Health.
“In times like these, it’s important that we all rise to the occasion and redirect our efforts to help solve critical issues that have resulted from the spread of COVID-19,” Scott Baxter, president and CEO of Kontoor Brands, said in a statement. “By producing gowns, we hope to help provide hospitals with the much-needed equipment to fight this virus.”
Tiffany & Co.
On April 6, the Tiffany & Co. Foundation announced it will be committing $1 million to COVID-19 relief efforts and donating $750,000 to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization. The other $250,000 will be given to The New York Community Trust’s NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund. In addition to its own donation, the New York-based company will be matching employee donations, dollar for dollar.
“During this global health crisis, we must all be responsive to the urgent needs of our global communities,” the brand said in a statement. “We are proud to support organizations providing immediate relief for communities impacted by COVID-19, including our hometown of New York,” Anisa Kamadoli Costa, chairman and president of The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, said.
Levi Strauss and Co.
Levi’s has been doing its part to help fight against COVID-19 by hosting its virtual concert series on Instagram Live with artists like Snoop Dogg, Sigrid, Kali Uchis, Burna Boy and more, and donating $10,000 per performance to a charity picked by the artist. The company is also donating $3 million to communities that are vulnerable and at-risk. “There’s been a real rush for emergency support on the front end of this,” Jennifer Sey, chief marketing officer of Levi Strauss & Co., told WWD. “We want to make sure we’re addressing some of the midterm and long-term impacts that could go unaddressed by supporting our existing community partners.”
Alexander Wang
On April 6, Alexander Wang launched its Alexander Wang vault shop, a curated collection of Wang’s archived pieces selling for up to 80 percent off in celebration of the brand’s 15th anniversary. Opened in response to COVID-19, Wang will donate 20 percent of sales to The United Nation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
Capri Holding
Capri Holding, the luxury fashion company that owns Michael Kors, Versace and Jimmy Choo, joined the fight against coronavirus by donating $3 million across all three brands. The $3 million donation will benefit organizations from each brand’s home cities, New York (Michael Kors), London (Jimmy Choo), and Milan (Versace).
“Our hearts and souls go out to those who are working on the front lines to help the world combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” John D. Idol, chairman and chief executive officer of Capri Holdings Limited, said in a statement. “We thank them for their remarkable dedication and courage and want to support them and the hospitals where they work. We also aim to strengthen organizations dedicated to helping the community.”
In addition to Capri’s donation, Michael Kors announced on his Instagram that he and Capri Holdings CEO John Idol will also be making personal donations of $1 million each.
“Among the many things that I love about New York and New Yorkers is their strength and unwavering resilience in times of crisis. For a city as big as it is, there’s always been a strong sense of community,” Kors wrote in an Instagram post. “It’s heartbreaking to see what is happening here in my hometown, which is currently an epicenter of the virus, and the impact this outbreak is having on people in our city and around the world. I commend everyone working on the frontlines in our health care centers and thank you for your dedication to helping others.”
Chanel
As the spread of the virus intensifies, Chanel has pledged to produce over 50,000 face masks and gowns for healthcare workers, police, and other essential workers in France. What’s more, the fashion house is also contributing €1.2 million to French emergency services.
PVH Corp
PVH Corp, which owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, is donating $1 million toward COVID-19 relief, plus another $100,000 donation to the Solidarity Response Fund’s COVID relief efforts.
“As I work with our global leadership team to address a responsible plan forward for our business, how we execute it as good corporate citizens is an important part of our discussions,” Manny Chirico, Chairman and CEO of PVH, said in a statement posted online. “There is no roadmap for this crisis, but I know that at PVH we have strong values and connections to our communities.”
On Instagram, the company announced it will be sending out over two million Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which include masks, gowns, and face shields, to healthcare workers in New York City. The first shipment has already been delivered to the Montefiore Health System.
Saks Fifth Avenue
The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation has committed to donating $600,000 to coronavirus relief efforts split across three organizations: NewYork-Presbyterian COVID-19 Patient Care Fund, Bring Change to Mind, and Girls Inc. “Now is the time to stand together to support our community, our customers and all those affected both physically and mentally by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Marc Metrick, president at Saks Fifth Avenue, said in a statement. “Whether it’s medical workers on the frontlines, hospitals that require more essential supplies and resources, or those experiencing stress or anxiety about the virus, we know donations through the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation will provide vital relief to those in need during this challenging and uncertain time.”
Vestiaire Collective
On Wednesday, April 1, Vestiaire Collective teamed up with Hollywood’s biggest names, including Kate Moss, Thandie Newton, Anna Dello Russo, Carine Roitfeld, and more to auction off the stars’ luxury goods to donate to causes fighting against coronavirus. The luxury resale company is donating all proceeds from the sale, including 100 percent of its commission, to a number of charities like The World Health Organization and a few hospitals in France and Madrid. In addition to the celebrity auction, Vestiaire Collective will provide 20,000 FFP2 masks and 10,000 disinfectant wipes to health institutions in France.
Drome
Italian-based brand Drome is producing protective masks for hospitals in Italy on a daily basis. Using its factory in Tuscany, the brand announced it will be churning out 100-150 masks per day, and will continue to produce masks as needed.
Net-a-porter
After shutting down its website, Net-a-porter announced on Tuesday, March 31, it will be utilizing the vehicles that usually deliver its fashion to deliver food and supplies to seven charities in London. The vans will read, “Fashion that delivers” and will also deliver to the elderly people throughout London.
“Now, more than ever, the primary focus of our colleagues and customers is the well-being of relatives, friends and communities. Reflecting our core sustainability priorities, the group hopes that the redistribution of these resources will help to make a difference in London,” the company said, per WWD.
Revolve
On Tuesday, March 31, Revolve announced on its Instagram that it will donate 10,000 N95 FDA-approved face masks to two Los Angeles hospitals. The brand also procured 20,000 additional masks to put aside for other healthcare workers, and called upon its influencers and followers to spread the word to frontline workers in need of protective gear.
“Our doctors and nurses are on the front lines risking their lives to save ours, and are often doing so without adequate protective equipment,” the brand said in a statement. “Revolve’s mission for this initiative is to do anything we can to support our sisters and brothers, and hope to be able to make donations in the future.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is teaming up with one of its partners, Kaas Tailored, to have members of its Nordstrom Alterations teams in Washington, Oregon, Texas, and California produce 100,000 masks to be donated to Providence Health & Services in Washington. Nordstrom will also offer additional support to Seattle Foundation, YouthCare, and Hetrick Martin Institute (HMI).
If you buy a gift card, Nordstrom will donate one percent of the sale to “annual community cash grants and support organizations that provide basic necessities for kids and families which includes things like access to health care, housing, food and education,” the brand said in a press release.
Sandro
Sandro will provide support to hospital staff in France and around Europe and will make 10,000 cloth masks using excess fabric from past collections. Starting on March 30, Sandro will deliver 1,000 masks to the Aulnay-sous-Bois French hospital with an additional 2,000 masks to be delivered in the coming days. Sandro will deliver the remaining masks to other hospitals throughout Europe and 3,000 masks to NYU hospital in the U.S.
Caldezonia
Calzedonia Group is converting it plants to produce medical masks and gowns using special machinery the brand purchased. The brand predicts it will be able to produce up to 10,000 masks per day, with that number increasing in the coming weeks.
Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley announced it will use its own fabric, which is used to create handbags and accessories, to produce masks for essential workers, and work alongside its supplier to procure protective gear such as masks and scrubs.
“Our Company and Associates are honored to be able to contribute to the cause during this difficult and challenging time,” Rob Wallstrom, CEO of Vera Bradley, said in statement. “Our hearts go out to all affected by COVID-19 and to the courageous people serving on the front lines in our communities. We’re proud to be able to pivot our operations, lend a helping hand, and create a product with so much purpose.”
Burberry
Burberry announced on its website that it would be dedicating significant time, money, and resources to helping with the COVID-19 global pandemic. The company said in a statement on its site that it is going to “retool” its Yorkshire-based trench coat factory to make non-surgical gowns and masks and is facilitating the delivery of more than 100,000 surgical masks to U.K. National Health Service (NHS) staff. The company also said it is donating to charities across the country and funding University of Oxford research for a single-dose vaccine.
“In challenging times, we must pull together,” Burberry’s CEO, Marco Gobbetti, said, in part. “The whole team at Burberry is very proud to be able to support those who are working tirelessly to combat COVID-19, whether by treating patients, working to find a vaccine solution or helping provide food supplies to those in need at this time. COVID-19 has fundamentally changed our everyday lives, but we hope that the support we provide will go some way towards saving more lives, bringing the virus under control and helping our world recover from this devastating pandemic. Together, we will get through this.”
Kate Spade New York
On March 28, Kate Spade announced on its Instagram that the brands at Tapestry, through the Coach Foundation, would be donating $2 million to New York City’s small business continuity fund. The post added that the money was “for all the small businesses in NYC that make our hometown so incredibly special, and right now need some extra love and support. we appreciate each one of you, we’re here for you and we can’t wait to see you again soon.”
Bvlgari
Bvlgari announced that it will manufacture thousands of hand sanitizers to be distributed to medical facilities throughout Italy. The hand gels will be created in 75ml recyclable bottles with plans to produce more in the upcoming months.
“I believe as a major economic actor and symbol of Italy, Bvlgari has a responsibility to contribute to the national effort to help prevent, fight and eradicate Covid-19. Thanks to our fragrances expertise we have been able to develop together with ICR a ‘hand cleansing gel with sanitizer’ which will be manufactured in our Lodi Factory already making our high-end perfumes and hotel amenities,” Jean-Christophe Babin, Bvlgari CEO, said in a statement. “Aware of the difficult situation we are experiencing, we believe it is our duty to contribute with our know-how and production facilities.”
Skims
Kim Kardashian West is using her upcoming Skims Solutionwear restock to support corona relief. Skims pledged to donated $1 million to those affected by the virus.
“To support mothers and children in need during this time, SKIMS is committed to donating $1M to families affected by COVID-19,” KKW said in a press release. “On Monday, we’re restocking the collection we first launched with, and in doing so, are able to help bring relief to those affected by this pandemic. I am so grateful to all of you who have supported SKIMS since we first started 6 months ago. It’s been a dream of mine for so long, and has only been possible because of your love for what we do. Our six-month anniversary has fallen in the middle of a Global crisis so more than ever, it’s our responsibility to give back and do what we can to help others.”
Uniqlo
Uniqlo has partnered with its manufacturing companies in China to procure 10 million masks to donate to high-priority hospitals around the world. One million masks will be donated to Italy and another million will be donated to Japan. In addition to the masks, Uniqlo is also providing healthcare workers with their signature Heattech and Airism clothing. “The company will continue to give assistance where needed, and as the situation evolves,” the brand said in a statement.
H&M Group
H&M will use its facilities to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) to be donated to hospitals and health care workers working on the frontline.
“The Coronavirus is dramatically affecting each and every one of us, and H&M Group is, like many other organizations, trying our best to help in this extraordinary situation,” Anna Gedda, head of sustainability at H&M Group, said in a press release. “We see this is as a first step in our efforts to support in any way we can. We are all in this together, and have to approach this as collectively as possible.”
Ralph Lauren
The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation announced that it will be donating $10 million coronavirus relief efforts. The funds will be split across four different causes:
- The World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund
- Pink Pony Fund by supporting our long-standing network of international cancer institutions that are caring for people with cancer, who are especially vulnerable at this time.
• The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)/Vogue Fashion Fund for COVID-19 relief to support the American fashion community impacted by the pandemic.
• Offer financial grants to our employees facing special circumstances, like medical, eldercare, or childcare needs
Gap Inc.
Gap Inc.—which houses brands like the Gap, Old Navy, Athleta, Banana Republic, Intermix, Hill City, and Janie and Jack—announced that the company will be using its factories to produce protective wear for healthcare workers.
“An update on our #COVID19 response: Our teams are connecting some of the largest hospital networks in Calif. w/ our vendors to deliver PPE supplies while we pivot resources so factory partners can make masks, gowns & scrubs for healthcare workers on the front lines,” the brand wrote on Twitter.
Kering
Kering, the luxury goods giant behind Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Gucci and more, will supply three million surgical masks to French health services. Taking it a step futher, Kering brands Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga are also manufacturing “masks while complying with the strictest health protection measures for their staff members, with production getting underway as soon as the manufacturing process and materials have been approved by the relevant authorities,” the company said in a statement on Sunday.
LVMH
LVMH is using its Chinese suppliers to provide 10 million surgical masks to France. The brand announced that it will reorder masks for the next few weeks in similar quantities.
“In order to secure this order during an extremely tense period and to ensure that production begins today, Bernard Arnault arranged for LVMH to finance the whole of the first week of deliveries, amounting to five million euros,” LVMH said in a statement.
Michael Costello
Michael Costello announced he’ll be collaborating with his Calabasas-based manufacturer to create 20,000 surgical masks to distribute to hospitals and first-team responders throughout the Los Angeles area.
“For the first couple of days of this emergency I, like many others, felt frustrated and helpless just sitting at home. I realized that even if I couldn’t do what I wanted as a Designer, I should do what I can to help others that keeps our community safe,” Costello said in a press release. “While I’m not a nurse, doctor or first responder, I knew I can give the one thing I know best, which is fashion, and help design masks that will be crucial for preventing exposure.”
Christian Siriano
After Andrew Cuomo revealed that New York is facing a surgical mask shortage, designer Christian Siriano came to the rescue.
“If @NYGovCuomo says we need masks my team will help make some,” he tweeted, tagging New York governor Andrew Cuomo. “I have a full sewing team still on staff working from home that can help.”
Shortly after, Siriano posted a short clip of what his masks will look like, writing, “We will be making a few versions of this in order to help as many people as we can. Here is the process so we can get a perfect fit. More to come thank you everyone we hope to get these to the right people ASAP.”
Reformation
Reformation is teaming up with Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti to produce protective face masks for not only health professionals, but grocery store associates and food delivery workers. Garcetti hopes the initiative will create more jobs for people. Manufacturers or businesses that are interested in participating can learn more about the initiative at laprotects.org.
Gucci
Gucci pledged 2 million euros to COVID-19 efforts that will be split in two different donations. Gucci will donate 1 million euros to the Italian Civil Protection Department and another million euros to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
“This pandemic calls us to an unexpected task, but it is a call to which we respond decisively, advocating the selfless work carried out by health workers, doctors and nurses on the front lines every day in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, in Italy and in the rest of the world,” Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele and Marco Bizzarri, president and chief executive officer, said in a statement, per WWD. “Their generosity and courage light our way forward in these difficult days. By supporting each other and helping those who are most vulnerable among us, we will be able to overcome this crisis: united, even more than before.”
Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani is utilizing all four of its production sites to manufacture protective gear for healthcare workers. What’s more, the luxury house has already pledged 1.25 million euros to donate to Italy’s Civil Protection and a slew of Italian hospitals, including Luigi Sacco and the Istituto Lazzaro Spallanzani in Rome. Armani also bumped its donation up to 2 million euros by supporting Italy’s Bergamo and Piacenza hospitals.