How Sarah Jessica Parker, Donna Karan, Serena Williams + More Are Reacting to the Coronavirus

Claudia Miller
·12 min read

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As major events get canceled and more cases of the coronavirus are identified, it’s hard to stay sane in these troublesome times.

Across the board, celebrities and designers are taking to social media to share their thoughts and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic; many expressed thoughts of self-reflection, care for their fans and followers and all-around hope that everyone remains safe in the current health crisis.

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Tennis star and Nike athlete Serena Williams is using this time of suspended sports and social distancing to recuperate by being a wife and mom and “spending the next 6 weeks in solitude.”

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Spending the next 6 weeks in solitude. Being a wife. Being a mom. Cooking. Cleaning. Spring cleaning. Face mask. Makeup tutorials. I’ll let you know how it goes…. stay safe everyone. This is serious. 🙏🏿

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Mar 13, 2020 at 6:01am PDT

FN’s 2019 Designer of the Year Amina Muaddi is taking a moment of rest and relaxation after a busy fashion month and is sharing prayers and donations to those who are affected most by the pandemic.

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I am finally on vacation after a long season, but it feels bittersweet. In a moment like this I cannot but empathize with my friends and family quarantined in Italy, people suffering in hospitals and the general state of fear & worry around the world. I continue to pray & donate while hoping this terrible moment is short lasting. Be brave, be safe and be responsible. 💙

A post shared by AMINA MUADDI 🧚🏽‍♀️ (@aminamuaddi) on Mar 10, 2020 at 2:02pm PDT

Designer Victoria Beckham is encouraging all to be with loved ones and most importantly, to listen to health experts.

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The family and I are here in Miami for the launch of @davidbeckham’s team. At times like this, the most important thing is to be with loved ones and to support each other. Let’s listen to the experts and stay safe x kisses from us all x

A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on Mar 13, 2020 at 9:19am PDT

Donna Karan, 2019 FNAA co-recipient of the Icon Award for Social Impact alongside Kenneth Cole, took to her personal account to educate fans and followers about the true nature of COVID-19 and to share her appreciation for the medical staff working tirelessly during this time.

Singer Lizzo is using her social media presence to provide a mantra and meditation practice in these moments of high stress and anxiety.

Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick were set to star in the Broadway revival of “Plaza Suite,” but the city of New York put a ban on most gatherings over 500 people, including musical theater venues. The actress settled doubts and fears by saying: “Broadway doesn’t stay quiet for long.”

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Broadway doesn't stay quiet for long. We will be back. The Rialto will hum. Times Square will hustle and bustle And we will be ready to swing open the doors of the beautiful Hudson Theatre and share an afternoon or evening together. We count the days until the marquees are once again lit. In the meantime, we think of all those affected and hope for everyone's good health. X,SJ

A post shared by SJP (@sarahjessicaparker) on Mar 12, 2020 at 8:34pm PDT

The SJP Collection designer also shared a message on her eponymous footwear brand wishing everyone “good health.”

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To all our followers, friends, customers and those that simply drop by our page every now and then. We at #SJPCollection wanted to address the trembling and uncertain present we are all living in. We want to send our best to all those that have been affected. That includes those suffering with health issues, or have family whose health is of concern. We hope for all to be well, healthy and safe. We also share our worry for those whose lives are affected by the collateral damage. We know these are scary times for so many. We see it and feel it here in NYC where theatres are shuttered, businesses are hurting, streets are empty, people feel confused, scared, unsure and more and more so isolated. This is our city currently, like yours and so many others across the globe. So. We check in on family, friends, colleagues and those who are without companionship. We wait for better days. Hopefully sooner than later. In the meantime, our fervent wish is for everyone's well being, returned good health and the time when all this is a distant and hard to believe memory. Please. With love and warmth. X, SJ​​

A post shared by SJP Collection (@sjpcollection) on Mar 13, 2020 at 11:56am PDT

Supermodel Christie Brinkley promoted the idea of “social distancing” with a humorous throwback photo.

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I hope everyone is safely “Social Distancing”, washing hands,and feeling good. I know the weight of the world is on everyone’s mind, so in an effort to distract and maybe provide a moment of levity I thought we might switch to my weight as discussed in an old interview where my diet tips are… well laughable at best! Which wasn’t my intention..until today! Hope this gives you smile! I’m just going to go have some Prosecco for lunch now ! 😂lol #fbf @harpersbazaarus @francesco_scavullo @maury.hopson @waybandycosmetics

A post shared by Christie Brinkley (@christiebrinkley) on Mar 13, 2020 at 11:43am PDT

Designer Peter Dundas expressed his thoughts and support for friends, partners and family in Italy throughout the country’s lockdown regulations.

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ITALIA TI AMO!!! 🇮🇹 ♥️🇮🇹♥️🇮🇹♥️🇮🇹 🌞Sending all our friends, partners and their families in Italy our thoughts and support in these difficult times!! KEEP YOU LOVED ONES HEALTHY! This too shall pass #italiansdoitbetter 🌞

A post shared by Peter Dundas (@peter_dundas) on Mar 10, 2020 at 4:09am PDT

As a member of the Baby2Baby board of directors, designer Rachel Zoe shared how to help the organization by giving back and donating essentials for families living in poverty during this crisis.

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Please know that @baby2baby is doing everything possible to help all those affected across the country by COVID-19. Head to the link in my bio to help.❤️ Sending love to everyone and please stay safe. 🙏🏼😔XoRZ . . As a result of COVID-19, Baby2Baby has received requests for soap, cleaning supplies and other basic essentials from our partners across the country. As families living in poverty are always hit the hardest during these times, Baby2Baby wants to ensure that the children we serve are as prepared as possible. Please use the link in our bio to purchase these essentials.

A post shared by Rachel Zoe (@rachelzoe) on Mar 12, 2020 at 1:43pm PDT

Shoe designer Sarah Flint’s namesake founder got real with followers about her own struggles and fears and how their team is using their love for shoes to keep them going in moments of trepidation.

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Dear Sarah Flint Family, When I started this brand seven years ago, I thought I had imagined every possible hurdle. Yet over these last few weeks, I have learned that there are some things for which the playbook has not yet been written. My heart goes out to those who are sick, and to all the individuals impacted by the Coronavirus. From families mourning their loved ones, to unexpected school closings, to the strain on the global healthcare system, there is no one untouched by something of this magnitude. The safety of our customers and business partners is, and will always be, my top priority, and we are in constant communication with our Italy-based team. We are working hard to keep them safe and taking measures to help prevent the spread of the virus, while also maintaining our best-in-class customer communications and support. Despite all the challenges, our new shoes for spring and summer are here and ready for launch over the next few months. But the truth is, I am struggling with how to introduce them to you, at a time when there are more important concerns. When so many people are feeling understandably anxious, is it wrong to be sending cheerful emails about shoes? How do we do what we do best, when the world around us has changed? How do we keep the business, our team and partners, secure in insecure times? This is a difficult path to navigate, and we have struggled internally about how to discuss shoes and fashion in this climate. As a founder and as a person, I am feeling as anxious as everyone else. This is challenging. It is a "first" for us. We may not get it right. Please know our website is open and our customer service team is here to help you with your fit questions. While we acknowledge that shoes are not the most important thing right now, we also acknowledge that they are "our thing.” They are the thing that binds my team, my customers, and I together. So we will go on doing our thing, and—we hope—bring some joy into the world as we do. To my customers, partners in Italy, my Sarah Flint family, and my fellow founders, thank you. I am here for you. Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and be well. Xo, Sarah

A post shared by Sarah Flint (@sarahflint_nyc) on Mar 13, 2020 at 5:59am PDT

Dior Homme’s creative director Kim Jones joined the group of fashion forces directing thoughts and love to the people suffering in Italy.

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Thinking of all friends and amazing people who we collaborate with in Italy for a safe and speedy return to normal life and good health under the scary circumstances sending love to you all 🇮🇹 🇮🇹🇮🇹

A post shared by mrkimjones (@mrkimjones) on Mar 12, 2020 at 3:33am PDT

Arianna Casadei shared the unfortunate news that Casadei will be shutting down its Rimini boutique for the time being to focus on health.

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Since its opening in 1981 the Rimini boutique has always been running. Through bad and good times, weather emergencies and personal life. My aunt Vilma gave birth to my cousin and managed to keep it open through it all. Now we have to shut everything down, to focus on our health and how we can come back stronger after all of this. We need to face a situation and use it as impetus for a reboot. In the meantime, let’s do what we can to help the fundraisers towards Italian hospitals. #andratuttobene

A post shared by Arianna Casadei (@_ariannacasadei_) on Mar 11, 2020 at 8:50am PDT

Marc Jacobs used social media to spread “some cheer and good will.”

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Today’s forecast: Sunny with a chance of mass hysteria. At least I’m dressed for spreading some cheer and good will. #yellowisthecolorofsunshine #drastic/classic #weirdonwednesday #gratefulnothateful

A post shared by Marc Jacobs (@themarcjacobs) on Mar 11, 2020 at 7:34am PDT

Tabitha Simmons spent 13 years working under Dolce & Gabbana in Milan and expressed her love for the city and country she once called home.

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It breaks my heart what is happening in Italy after working for 13years in Milan for @dolcegabbana and producing all my shoes. my love for Italy runs deep. the one thing I do know is that Italian people are extremely, strong, passionate and are extremely loyal. I know you as a country will get through this. My thoughts are with all the Italian people and especially my work colleagues !!! stay safe ❤️💕❤️💕 #Iloveitaly

A post shared by tabithasimmons (@tabithasimmons) on Mar 10, 2020 at 6:44am PDT

Footwear designer Ada Kokosar reminded us all that what really matters is health, food, a roof over our heads and love.

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What I’m learning from this quarantine: – feeling the sense of a community with compassion, cohesion and unity. I‘m proud of our italian approach because it’s about the collective, it’s based on the other. – realizing that eventually what really matters is health food a roof and above all LOVE (I feel the urge to rethink the way we consume and operate, setting new priorities) – embracing this slow down. Feels good to finally truly connecting with my love ones and friends (never had such long conversations on the phone with my friends) and with my inner self. – be in the present moment. That’s what we all have now, let’s use it in the most meaningful way ✨

A post shared by Ada Kokosar (@adakokosar) on Mar 13, 2020 at 7:18am PDT

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