Top image: Christopher Kane FW20

The last few weeks have seen some of the biggest names in fashion step in to tackle the global shortage of face masks, caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Now, Christopher Kane is taking a different approach by offering ‘craft kits’ featuring archive fabrics from past collections, which can be used to make masks at home while supplies last. Incidentally, this also makes Kane one of a handful of designers thinking creatively about how to reduce fabric waste, and helping out in the process. Only UK addresses are eligible for health and safety reasons, but all it takes is an email to get your hands on a kit.

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CHRISTOPHER KANE CRAFT: Instead of buying medical supplies needed by our NHS and care workers… email art.dept@christopherkane.com (with your full name and UK postal address) to receive a free craft pack and make your own face mask from past-season fabrics at home, while supplies last. In the interest of the health and safety of our team we can only ship via Royal Mail first class postage to addresses in the UK. #ChristopherKaneCrafts

A post shared by Christopher Kane (@christopherkane) on Apr 9, 2020 at 5:25am PDT

There has been a spike in public purchase of face masks despite conflicting advice from health authorities. Disproprtionately, the shortage is affecting key workers and NHS employees: recent reports have shown that doctors are being forced to share masks or even simply hold their breath while treating patients, whereas the ongoing scarcity of hospital scrubs led to a medical fetishwear supplier being asked to donate their stock.

The British Fashion Council has called on designers to pool their resources and start producing masks, but this isn’t always easy, as they need to be cleared for medical usage. Huge conglomerates like LVMH have played their part by transforming perfume labs into production lines for hand sanitiser, and independent designers like Jack Goode and club kid Stella Marbles are offering to make customised masks for those looking to protect themselves without taking away from supplies that could be used for essential workers.

Of course, official healthcare guidance should always be followed, but for now, designers are doing their best to offer creative solutions wherever possible.

Email Christopher Kane’s Art Department with your name and address for a free kit.