La Mode S’Engage is the French fashion industry’s latest effort in supporting the fight against coronavirus.
The one-off fashion auction will see more than 80 luxury labels including Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel, Comme des Garçons and Louis Vuitton rally together to raise funds for not-for-profit #ProtegeTonSoignant (“protect your caregiver”), which delivers supplies to French healthcare workers.
Spearheaded by Ami CEO Nicolas Santi-Weil and Founder of Colette and Just An Idea Sarah Andelman, the event asks each brand to either customise an item from their archive or design a one-of-a-kind garment.
“The goal is to raise as much money as possible,” Santi-Weil told Business of Fashion. “We want to be a helping hand … to the work of the state.”
All submissions must incorporate the signature electric blue colour of #ProtegeTonSoignant.
Those in isolation without access to production materials and equipment will be allowed to submit made-to-order services or sketches to potential bid winners.
These limited-edition submissions can be anything from full looks to lightly customised pieces, and bidding will start at €100.
All proceeds will be used to purchase protective equipment including FFP2 and surgical masks, gowns, glasses and gloves, as well as medical devices such as respirators, video laryngoscopes, syringe pumps and ultrasound scanners, and to cover transport costs.
La Mode S’Engage will launch the auction at 12pm CET on 1 May 2020, ending at 11.59pm local time on 4 May.
Launched in March, #ProtegeTonSoignant has already raised more than €4.8 million of its €5 million goal. The organisation takes to Instagram each day to share exactly how donations are being allocated.
