Dolce & Gabbana is teaming up with Italy's Humanitas University to support its research into coronavirus, the fashion house announced this week. "We felt we had to do something to fight this devastating virus, which started from China but is threatening all mankind. In these cases, it is important to make the right choice," explained Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in a statement. Dolce & Gabbana already works to support medical scholarships at Humanitas University.
"Prof. Mantovani told us the African fable about a hummingbird: while all the other animals were fleeing from a fire in the forest, it flew in the opposite direction, continuing to bring water in the attempt to put out the fire. We understood that in any case it was worth doing something. Even a very small gesture can have enormous significance," continued the designers in their statement.
The aforementioned Professor Alberto Mantovani is leading the Humanitas University research team; he's working alongside professors Cecilia Garlanda, Elisa Vicenzi, and Massimo Clementi. This is the same group of researchers who isolated the pathogen responsible for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, better known as SARS, and were the first in Italy to do so.
Since the first case of coronavirus was reported in Wuhan, China, the sickness has spread to 24 countries, per the World Health Organization. There have been more than 76,000 reported cases in China as of Feb. 21. Alarmed by the virus' recent spread from Iran, the WHO's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said Friday: "It is in our hands now...we can reverse or avert serious crisis. If we don't, if we squander this opportunity, then there could be a serious problem on our hands."
Explained the designers: "Supporting scientific research is a moral duty for us. We hope our contribution will help to solve this dramatic problem."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
[editoriallinks id='b68df2a3-71c8-4c02-aaf9-4ddf543b57f5'][/editoriallinks]
RELATED STORY
Bianca Rodriguez is the Fashion & Luxury Commerce Manager at Hearst Magazines, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Cosmopolitan, Elle, Esquire, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Town & Country. She likes lounging about with a good book and thinks a closet without platform sneakers is a travesty.
-
21 Spring Essentials in Madewell, Banana Republic, and Shopbop's Flash Sales
Don’t let these can’t-miss sales pass you by.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
'Shōgun' Is a Masterpiece—Will There Be More Episodes?
With those ratings, never say never.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
32 Child Stars Who Have Aged Like Fine Wine
They made the notoriously bumpy transition to adulthood look easy.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published