via @chaneloffical
One thing that becomes apparent as coronavirus spreads throughout the world is that few countries were truly prepared for the volume of Covid-19 cases. This has caused a shortage of essential items, such as medical masks, gloves and oxygen tanks. While stores remain closed to curb the spread of the virus, luxury brands have stepped up to repurpose their facilities to help medical services in need. The latest to join the fight is French heritage brand Chanel.
Together with the French authorities, the luxury house is producing prototypes of protective masks and blouses to keep up with the country’s 40 million face masks per week usage, according to Reuters. Chanel has also announced that it will not be putting any of its 4,500 employees on temporary employment— a financial problem many big players in the fashion industry are struggling with as the economy declines and sales drop off while people are self-isolating.
Like luxury brands in other countries, Chanel is stepping in to help its local authorities. In the US, Ralph Lauren is supplying 250,000 masks and 25,000 isolation gowns, while Prada takes up production to supply Italian healthcare workers with masks. Elsewhere, Burberry is producing masks and gowns for medical staff.