“The fashion contribution”

Covid-19 seems to be the only topic of conversation in the world, and the reasons are clear to everybody. We do not know what the long-term consequences of this virus will be. The future seems to be a bet, the type we don’t like at all.

We don’t want to go into details now. What will be of the economy, what will be of our human relations, what will be of us as individuals afterwards, are all questions that do not compete to us now.

What we are sure of, however, is that Covid-19, like all frightening external contingencies, has united us all, mentally speaking. Especially in Italy, the virus has brought back a sense of community that was perhaps being lost. And in addition to the moral support, the songs sung from the balconies and the “survival” tips broadcasted on Instagram every day , there are many people on the front lines to fight the virus at its root. We talk of course about doctors, biochemists, nurses, experts, but also the police. Not to mention all donors, of blood and money equally. Because yes, we actually need both.

The fashion system does its part too, giving to the world what it is capable of. Masks and new gowns for doctors and nurses are packaged every day in the Prada factory, near Perugia, or at home, by the seamstresses of Ermanno Scervino.

Gucci is helping, equally, Italy and France, through donations and indispensable medical material. Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga have reopened tightly controlled establishments where they can produce the medical protections that hospitals need so desperately. Perhaps their magical touch of haute couture is not necessary in this moment of extreme national crisis, but their speed, preparation and familiarity are certainly essential.

For some critics, there is a high probability that the “after” world will be dominated by technology like never before. Maybe it’s true: the experience of quarantine is showing us that we can also live without direct human contacts. However, something of this experience will remain, with no doubts. And it’s the awareness that we could always be useful for the community

Words by Giulia Greco