Over the past few weeks we've seen firsthand how COVID-19 has affected countless lives. From daily tasks to larger functions, it has brought everything to a standstill. Medical personnel are on the front-line of this situation and their shields in this battle; namely masks and protective gear, are in short supply. Designers like House Of Anita Dongre and Karleo have announced that they will be doing their part to fight Coronavirus by producing masks, which are now mandatory in many states.
With permissions in place, production of these masks have begun in two rural village centres, starting with Charoti. Starting this week, these centres have had voluntary participation of about 24 women who will be able to create up to 7,000 masks each week for distribution to NGOs, village residents, individuals and hospitals. Made of cotton, these reusable masks will use fabric that was originally purchased for the production of clothes for House of Anita Dongre's labels AND, Global Desi, and Anita Dongre. These protective masks are reusable, washable and sustainable. At the request of the local hospital in Palgarh, the team will also make special disposable masks for doctors, nurses and hospital staff.
Anita Dongre, Fashion Designer and Chief Creative Officer of House of Anita Dongre said, "Every one of us must do everything within our power to stop the spread of this virus and keep as many people as we can safe. The production of reusable masks is one step in that direction. As long as people need masks they will be produced and distributed"
(Also Read: COVID-19: Stay Protected While Travelling In This Flu Season With These Masks)
Karleo too is paying it forward during the distressing healthcare crisis. The designers have tied up with BMC as part of a project 'Masks for Humanity'. As a part of the initiative, they are manufacturing and distributing masks in the city. A total of 5000 masks will be donated and submitted to the BMC over a period of days for further distribution and the cycle will continue for as many required. As a part of a sustainable activity and saving the resources, they will be making these masks using in house fabrics. These are not surgical masks and are to be used in order to reduce risk for essential workers in their daily routine.
Recently, luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton announced the production of masks and hospital gowns in France which are being donated to the frontline medical staff in the Parisian hospital network.
In this difficult time, it's nice to see fashion houses use their resources to play a role in fighting the Coronavirus.
(Also Read: Louis Vuitton Swaps High Fashion For Face Masks In Times Of COVID-19)
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