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.
-
Princess Eugenie Posts Sweet Birthday Message to Husband Jack Brooksbank
"Always making joy wherever you are."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Bindi Irwin Opens Up About Her Decision to Go Public With Endometriosis Diagnosis
"My fear was not knowing what would happen when I stepped off into that world of sharing my journey."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Kate Middleton is Expected to Stay Away From "Public Duties for Some Time"
The Princess of Wales will be able to attend events "when she feels able to," reports say.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
The Best Yoga Pants Endorsed by Three Fitness Experts
Whether you're advanced, a flow newbie, or want something easy to throw on for the gym, these several qualities are deal-breakers when it comes to workout wear.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Is Full of Fashion Editors’ Favorite Summer Essentials
From airy linen button-downs to nautical stripes, these are the closet basics of every style maven.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Tankinis Are Fashion's Most Practical Swimwear Trend
With the days inching closer to beach and pool season, it's still unclear if the '90s swimsuit style will resurface as the It style of the season.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Has Everything on My Spring Outfit Mood Board
The perfect fashion destination to shop for warm-weather looks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
20 Trending Shoe Styles From Sam Edelman’s Major Spring Sale
From sandals to pumps to sneakers, the footwear brand now has over 500 markdowns to shop.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashion Editors' Full-Proof Formula for Elevated Going-Out Outfits
Part of growing up is realizing that style and comfort can coexist.
By Lauren Tappan 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