Fashion

Anna Wintour and Tom Ford Create Coronavirus Relief Fund

Andrew Parker

Mar 25, 2020

Anna Wintour and Tom Ford are perhaps two of the biggest names in the American fashion industry, and they have proven yet again just why. The two leaders are creating a fund to help young designers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Their initiative, A Common Thread, repurposes the annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, and will “raise both awareness and needed funds for those in the American fashion community who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.” The competitive Fashion Fund typically supports emerging designers with money and mentoring, including Proenza Schouler and Kerby Jean-Raymond.

Anna Wintour and Tom Ford at the Menswear Launch and store opening

Getty Images/WireImage/Stephen Lovekin

The New York Times reported that the fund typically offers $700,000 for the winner and two runner-ups. “There is no reason that we’re not at some point going to be hitting up larger companies for bigger contributions,” Ford told Women’s Wear Daily. “It will really depend on what happens after all this is over. If it only lasts three months, I think we’ll be able to raise more money than if it drags on and on.”

The fashion community as a whole has been stepping up for the medical community during these trying times. Many designers have turned their factories into manufacturing centers for medical masks and garb. Christian Siriano, Brandon Maxwell, and Prada are some of the labels to start making medical gear for hospitals.