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.
[editoriallinks id='b68df2a3-71c8-4c02-aaf9-4ddf543b57f5'][/editoriallinks]
RELATED STORY
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles Zebra Pants With Flip-FlopsNext stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
-
Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh FlatsThe controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
-
Body Language Expert Says Kate Can't "Mask Her Emotions""We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Enlists Zebra Pants and The Row Flip-Flops to Continue Her Rich Euro Summer
Next stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
-
Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh Flats for Double Date Night in New York
The controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
-
Fashion's Embroidery Renaissance Is Stitching Fresh Life Into a Centuries-Old Art FormTracing the gilded thread from ancient Egypt and Tudor courts to the Spring ’25 runways.
-
Pucci Prints Are Back—And the Best Ones Are Already in Your Mom’s ClosetThe best ones are already in your mom's closet.
-
26 New J.Crew Arrivals I Predict Everyone Will Be Wearing on Their Summer VacationsConsider my dream vacation wardrobe sorted.
-
The Secret to My Anti-Basic Summer Outfits? These Elevated Neckline Tops From H&M and Zara28 under-$50 picks from H&M and Zara to instantly upgrade your look.
-
Miley Cyrus's Naked Schiaparelli Net Dress Is Dripping With Crystal Water DropsThe singer plucked the nude haute couture outfit straight from the runway.
-
Jennifer Lawrence Doubles Up on Controversial Summer Trends in Jorts and The Row Flip-FlopsShe also played into 2025's sardine fashion trend in an unexpected way.
