The Difference Between a Hashtag and a Do-er
The world is in a crisis with an adversary that caught it unawares. A novel Coronavirus, termed COVID-19, has spread across the globe at an alarmingly rapid pace since it was first detected in December of 2019. Just three months later, the health crisis has been declared a pandemic by the WHO, worldwide cases have surpassed one million, and millions around the globe are encouraged, or forced, to stay in their homes to prevent/reduce transmission of the virus. Global markets and industries began to suffer and the fashion industry has perhaps been hit the hardest.
While some fashion companies have been forced to furlough, or layoff, a portion of their workforce, a select few have made major efforts to help alleviate some of the pressures of the current health crisis. From LVMH producing hand sanitizer for healthcare workers in France to Giorgio Armani donating around $2.2 million to hospitals in Italy, industry juggernauts have managed to step up and make a difference instead of simply singing an old John Lennon song. Another fashion name that has made an effort to do their part as a global citizen is Kerby Jean-Raymond, founder of brand Pyer Moss.
On March 18th, an announcement was posted on both Jean-Raymond’s and the Pyer Moss Instagram account about the plan forward for tackling the strain on healthcare workers.
In the post, Jean-Raymond detailed his plan to convert the Pyer Moss New York office into an impromptu donation center. If anyone is willing and able, the designer is providing the opportunity for nurses and doctors to receive additional N95 respirator masks (which have been in global shortage), latex gloves, and any other unopened Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Jean-Raymond also set aside $5,000 to purchase and send any available PPE to workers.
The Pyer Moss creative director didn’t stop there, he also pledged to set aside $50,000 for small minority and women-owned independent businesses.
With all of the measures taken to flatten the curve of COVID-19 around the world, hopes are high for social distancing to come to an end by the summer. In any case, help from all quarters, including fashion, is necessary during this time of crisis.
