Local St. Louis Fashion Community Stepping Up Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

by Danielle Calcara

 
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With the halt of major industries, and the over abundance of infected people in the United States due to the Coronavirus pandemic, fashion industry professionals are playing a major role in the shortage of essential items for our healthcare workers and first responders. Famed fashion designer, Christian Siriano, was one of the first to reach out to New York state Governor, Andrew Cuomo, stating his team would start producing surgical masks during the Coronavirus pandemic. This notion has expanded far and wide. As reported by KSDK channel 5, Saint Louis Fashion Fund resident, Michael Drummond, is spearheading a project to make 14,000 surgical masks. Here is the video of Michael talking about his project to help the community. Michael Drummond's 14,000 Mask Project 

Another organization in the St. Louis fashion community taking charge in the initiative to aid in the shortage of personal protective equipment is the team at The Collective Thread. The Collective Thread is a non-profit organization that provides classes and sewing training to immigrant and refugee women in St. Louis, as well as employment opportunities through their small batch manufacturing facility in the heart of The Garment District. During this pandemic in an effort to keep their sewers working as well as being dedicated to serving the St. Louis community, making masks has fulfilled both of those needs. The Collective Thread has a goal of producing 300-600 masks PER DAY, which is incredible. These masks will go to various hospitals, healthcare workers, and other organizations that need them most. Whether you are in need of masks or would like to donate directly you can visit www.thecollectivethread.org https://www.facebook.com/thecollectivethread/ as well as contacting terri@thecollectivethread.org or annie@thecollectivethread.org

Our healthcare system in the United States is basically running on fumes when it comes to having the proper supplies needed to stay safe while treating those infected with the virus. Masks, scrubs, and gloves are only some of the personal protection equipment needed that are in a massive shortage. Local St. Louis fashion designers are stepping up in their efforts to assist in this crisis by creating surgical masks for those who need them most. I interviewed local St. Louis fashion designer Lauren Cram. She is the designer for VICTROLA Designs, as well as the curator Sequin Whore for vintage fabrics. She is using her talent and skills in this time of need; here is our exchange:

St. Louis Fashion Designer

Lauren Cram

 
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St. Louis Designer

Lauren Cram

Danielle Calcara- “The coronavirus pandemic is affecting people on a global scale. What made you decide to start making surgical masks with your brand?”

Lauren Cram- “From my perspective, fashion is, of course, a beautiful artform and great example of self expression. But, in times of crisis, it can also be a great use of service. I didn't think twice about what, I felt, was my duty and opportunity to use my skills to help in whatever way I can when I heard that there is a global shortage of PPE. If this is my contribution to the cause, then so be it.”

DC- “How many masks are you producing at the moment?”

LC- “Currently, I have roughly 200 masks cut and about 100 made. I come from an apparel manufacturing background so this type of demand isn't something that I shy away from. It's wired in me as to how I can produce quantity in a relatively short amount of time. The only kicker is that I'm doing this by myself. A one (wonder) woman show.”



DC- “How are you getting these masks out to the people who need them?”

LC- “One of my good friends is the PR contact at St.Mary's, so this first batch I have right now is dedicated to them. I am also a member of a few Facebook groups that are helping connect mask makers to healthcare providers in need.”

DC- “Are these masks going out to healthcare workers?”

LC- “Absolutely! Our healthcare workers are our friends, neighbors, and people who are putting themselves at risk to help. No one asked for this. They didn't ask for this. They deserve to feel protected while doing their job during this unimaginable moment in time. Additionally, I'm already thinking about the other workers trying to keep things afloat during this. Our grocers. Our delivery people. Our trash service people. I want my Aldi's people to feel protected during this and they are next on my list. All of these people deserve a damn medal after all of this is over.”



DC- “Where can people acquire these masks?”

LC- “ I have had friends and other people interested in acquiring masks for their loved ones who are at-risk in some way, shape, or form. They have been reaching out to me personally by word of mouth, social media, email, and text. Currently, for interested parties, I've been leaving the masks in my mailbox for pickup, so that there is no person-to-person contact. I've been sort of overwhelmed by the love I've received in doing this as people simply want to help by whatever way they can, whether it's supplying fabric, donating financially for my labor involved, picking up masks to deliver, or offering to help cut.”

Those who are interested in reaching out to Lauren Cram about masks and supplies are encouraged to contact her via phone at 314-378-9998 or by email at LHCram@yahoo.com.  

Every little bit counts, if you would like information on how you can help the cause please contact Dwight@Brainchildevents.com.

Here is just a short list of our designer friends and brands contributing with their skills in this time of need:

 
Dwight CarterComment