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Photo by Edward James/FilmMagic
“As a Canadian brand and citizen, I understand the dire situation we are in with the spread of this global pandemic,” says the designer.
Womenswear designer Hilary MacMillan announced today that her eponymous Toronto-based brand will be shifting its manufacturing capabilities to produce masks for those on the frontline in Ontario working through the COVID-19 outbreak.
With its current setup, the brand projects it has the capacity to produce 100 masks each week for the foreseeable future. The masks, made from upcycled materials, will be donated for use in shelters, charities, grocery stores, elderly homes and for any other persons in need.
The brand is set to begin production of the non-medical grade masks immediately, with the aim to have the first 100 available for use by March 27. Masks will be shipped from the brand’s production house in Toronto and donated by request. For donation requests, please contact info@hilarymacmillan.com.
Other fashion brands that have stepped up in recent weeks to offer support at this time of crisis are New York-based Christian Siriano, which is manufacturing face masks for medical professionals and other frontline workers and H&M, which is helping to source and distribute protective equipment to hospitals across Europe.
Meanwhile, Pyer Moss is transforming its New York headquarters into a donation and redistribution centre for masks, gloves and other protective equipment, and has also set aside USD 5,000 to buy these supplies where possible. Zara, which is owned by Spanish fashion group Inditex, is manufacturing and donating medical masks to COVID-19 patients and health care professionals in Spain. Stay tuned for more updates as more fashion designers and brands step in to help combat this global health crisis.
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