Clothing brands around the world have been forced to close their doors and halt production during the coronavirus pandemic. Still, many of them have put their expertise and materials to use to bring hope and provide supplies to the front line. Read on for some of the most inspiring stories of the week.

Louis Vuitton Produces Medical Supplies

Luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton has converted their Paris headquarters into a production facility for much-needed hospital gowns and other medical supplies. The company is making the gowns specifically for six hospitals around Paris that are caring for many of the covid-19 patients in France.

In addition to the gowns, Louis Vuitton has ordered 40 million face masks from Chinese manufacturers to donate to healthcare workers. The brand has also produced hand sanitizer in their cosmetics facility and given them to healthcare authorities who experienced shortages. Find out more about Louis Vuitton’s efforts throughout the pandemic here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/celiashatzman/2020/04/15/louis-vuittons-paris-atelier-is-now-making-hospital-gowns/#7a8a401529a7

Decathlon Converts Snorkeling Masks for Use with Ventilators

Italian sporting goods chain Decathlon wins our award for most innovative product redesign. The brand has been working with a research institute in Italy to transform their underwater masks into emergency ventilator masks. The masks will be used in hospitals around the country due to shortages after facing one of the worst outbreaks of the pandemic.

In order to convert the snorkeling gear into working ventilator masks, researchers 3D printed a new connection to attach to the mask to the ventilator machine. They will also distribute the new masks to hospitals with shortages around the world. Read on for more details here: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/decathlon-working-to-convert-snorkelling-masks-to-help-fight-coronavirus-452536

Deliver Love with Virtual Flower Bouquets

These days, many people have been left feeling isolated from family and friends as a result of coronavirus restrictions. New York-based designer Jonathan Cohen is giving people a creative way to spread love with his new virtual flower shop. While physical florists are temporarily closed, customers can now purchase personalized digital flower bouquets from Cohen and email them to loved ones as a special surprise.

The online shop offers six different bouquets, as well as an option to create a custom arrangement. In addition to spreading positivity, the bouquets will also help those struggling with covid-19. Cohen will donate 30 percent of all sales to charities providing support to those affected by the pandemic. Check out the bouquets and find out more here: https://jonathancohenstudio.com/our-flower-shop

Shoe Brand Donates Sneakers to Front Line Workers

Up-and-coming sneaker brand Hoka One One has taken a different approach to support front line workers. Through their new Front Line Give Back Program, the brand is donating 5,000 pairs of sneakers to healthcare professionals and first responders. So far, the brand has donated 400 pairs of shoes to two hospitals in New York and New Jersey, which have faced severe outbreaks of covid-19.

Hoka One One’s customers know them best for their comfortable, lightweight sneakers. According to the brand’s president Wendy Yang, this initiative aims to provide relief during this extra-strenuous time and give the dedicated workers optimal support for their feet. Learn more about the shoe brand and their donation here: https://dujour.com/style/hoka-one-one-launches-front-line-give-back-program-covid-19/