Designer Christian Siriano offers his sewing team to make masks in response to N.Y. Gov. Cuomo's call for help
Designer Christian Siriano’s high-end looks are more common on runways than in hospital operating rooms, but that could be about to change, at least temporarily, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Siriano volunteered his team to make masks, in response to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s call for help from the public.
Cuomo described his state’s “critical need” for gloves, gowns and masks. He seemed desperate for help, explaining that the state would “pay a premium and offer funding,” and pleading with people to call in if they had unused supplies.
🚨NY has a critical need for PPE including gloves, gowns & masks🚨
We need companies to be creative to supply the crucial gear our healthcare workers need. NY will pay a premium and offer funding.
Need Funding? 📞212-803-3100
Have Unused Supplies? 📞646-522-8477
SHARE widely.— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 20, 2020
That’s when Siriano stepped up. The Project Runway alum said his sewing team was working from home and could help.
If @NYGovCuomo says we need masks my team will help make some. I have a full sewing team still on staff working from home that can help.
— Christian Siriano (@CSiriano) March 20, 2020
Cuomo said the two were in touch over Twitter.
We're in contact with @CSiriano. Appreciate his help so much.
Who's next?
Let's do this together, NY! https://t.co/4B43SKguVO— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 20, 2020
Siriano’s team quickly whipped up a prototype.
We will be making a few versions of this in order to help as many people as we can. Here is the process so we can get a perfect fit. More to come thank you everyone we hope to get these to the right people ASAP pic.twitter.com/Pow7H4D0xT
— Christian Siriano (@CSiriano) March 20, 2020
He was one of many who wanted to help.
Parsons grad here with a sewing room at home. Ready to help!
— Laurenzo (@LaurenzoKnows) March 20, 2020
I have 13 seamstresses and machines ready to go.
— Dawn Smart (@Dawnsmartdore) March 20, 2020
I have a garment manufacturing business in Brooklyn. Machinery and staff ready to work. Please contact me.
— Yvonne🧢 (@Milesforcancer) March 20, 2020
If someone can teach me I’m in Albany N.Y.
— BOB HAGGERTYy (@HAGGERB) March 20, 2020
Have a 3D printing shop (with laser cutter/scanner) in the Brooklyn navy yard, we are available to make anything we need... how can we help??
— enigma (@enigmahsquared) March 20, 2020
In fact, so many people were calling the number Cuomo shared that everyone was redirected to an email address.
Call volume is high.
If you have any of these unused supplies, please email COVID19supplies@esd.ny.gov— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 20, 2020
Earlier on Friday, Cuomo announced increased restrictions for New Yorkers, including the closure of businesses other than essential businesses, which include pharmacies and grocery stores. He also said people who don’t work at one of those essential places must work from home. The measures are an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus, which has sickened 7,845 people in the state at last count, according to the New York Times.
For the latest news on the evolving coronavirus outbreak, follow along here. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDC and WHO’s resource guides.
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