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We are living in unpredictable times. As whole world struggles with a deadly invisible enemy, we are all go through our own personal version of the same story. It is a moment to reset and focus on what matters, learn about the value of human life over economic markets.

One thing that certain, the novel coronavirus will change and reshape us in many ways. It is very important how we treat each other during these difficult times and important to maintain relationships and communications with those who loved and supported us.

Current American culture focuses a lot of attention on celebrities and their luxury lifestyle, but of that group which celebs have demonstrated character and compassion at this perilous time? Not many. However, those that have are making the world a better place. Fashion Reverie highlights celebrities and some fashion brand/designers that have touched our hearts with generosity. It is good to know that we can count on them. 

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Giorgio Armani

Italy has been hit hard and it is hard to predict the light at the end of the tunnel. That said; most wealthy and influential Italians are helping their country. Fashion legend Giorgio Armani donated around $2.2 million to hospitals in Milan, Rome, Bergamo, Piacenza and Versilia as well as to the Italian civil protection agency, which is coordinating the country’s response to the outbreak. 

“What worries me most is the health emergency that’s taking place, both in our country and all over the world,” Armani told Forbes magazine on March 16. “It’s too early to evaluate the long-term economic impact, which will surely be significant. But history teaches us that new opportunities are born from the deepest moments of crisis.” 

Wise man indeed!!

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Christian Siriano 

Siriano, a former “Project Runway” winner who has dressed the likes of Michelle Obama and Taylor Swift, realized that he was able to help when he heard the plea from New York Governor Cuomo that New York City was in short of supply of masks. They connected via Twitter. 

 Within an hour the plan was made. The governor’s office sent Siriano a stock pattern. The mask was not a medical-grade N-95, which requires special materials, such as non-woven polypropylene, to filter microscopic particles. It was a cloth surgical mask, with three pleats, elastic ear bands, and a small metal strip that could be molded to fit the nose. In the first week, they produced almost 2,000 masks. The first shipped box went directly to the new field hospital at the Javits Center. And masks keep coming!!

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Michael Costello 

Another Project Runway designer, Michael Costello is hard at work in his Los Angeles factory. Michael has converted his operations to produce medical and non-medical grade masks. His seamstress team is practicing social distancing while at work and their mission is to do as much as possible to answer Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti call for 5 million masks through the new Los Angeles Protects Initiative. 

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Rihanna and Jay Z 

Rihanna and Jay Z have joined forces. The Shawn Carter Foundation and Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation will each be donating $1 million for COVID-19 response efforts. Their donation will support undocumented workers, the children of frontline health workers and first responders, the incarcerated, and elderly and homeless populations in New York City and Los Angeles.

The funds are also “offering daycare, learning materials, food and supplies for the children of frontline healthcare workers and first responders, providing learning materials for the over 20,000 children and youth learning in shelters and virtual mental health support for parents, and ensuring child-care centers are clean, ensuring smaller clusters of children ins shelters and that all shelter personnel are protected. 

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Kylie Jenner 

Kylie Jenner has donated $1 million to provide first responders with protective equipment. Additionally, Kylie and her mom Kris Jenner are working with Kylie Cosmetics majority stakeholder Coty Inc. to donate hand sanitizer to California hospitals during the coronavirus outbreak. 

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Drew Brees 

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, announced they will donate $5 million dollars to the state of Louisiana this year and will help provide 10,000 meals per day as part of a coronavirus relief effort. In an Instagram post, Brees said this will include “children on meal programs, seniors, and families in need” and that the effort will continue” for as long as it takes. 

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Ralph Lauren 

The Ralph Lauren Foundation is donating 19 million towards corona relief efforts!! The American designer’s contribution is the largest single donation of any fashion brand so far.

Lauren presented a plan to split the money between four major organizations. The first organization is the Emergency Assistance Foundation, an American nonprofit that creates employee relief funds, and which will provide grants to help employees of Lauren’s corporation to assist with medical care or the care of family members. Sums will also go to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony Fun for cancer research. One million dollars of the donation will go to Common Thread, an initiative launched earlier this week by the CFDA and Vogue to support designers and those behind-the-scenes who have been impacted by the virus. His company is also exploring the production of medical-grade masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment. 

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Crocs 

Crocs are made from a rubber-like material; they are waterproof and can be easily washed off, which is an advantage as people take special care to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Lots of healthcare workers wear Crocs, so the company is delivering some shipments straight to hospitals and other facilities, but also allowing workers to sign up for the free shoes by going to www.crocs.com/freeforhealthcare. 

—Tijana Ibrahimovic