Indian designers begin producing cloth masks

NEW DELHI: As authorities across the world urge people to wear masks to slow the spread of Covid-19, the House of Anita Dongre has said it has begun producing 3ply cloth masks. The fashion company said production has begun in two of its five rural village centres that were initiated in collaboration with the Maharashtra state government about four years ago. Through the designer's foundation, starting this week, these centres have had voluntary participation from about 24 women who will be able to create up to 7,000 masks each week for distribution to NGOs, village residents, individuals, and hospitals. Designer Anita Dongre, who is chief creative officer of her company, told ET that the women in these village centers will be working under strict social distancing and hygiene protocols to produce these masks and distribute them. “Every one of us must do everything within our power to stop the spread of this virus and keep as many people as we can safe. The production of reusable masks is one step in that direction.” she said. Made of cotton, these reusable masks will use fabric that was originally purchased for the production of clothes. Masks like these are washable and reusable. At the request of the local hospital in Palgarh, the team will also make special disposable masks for doctors, nurses and hospital staff. Joined by Dongre are other top designers in the industry like Ritu Kumar and Neeta Lulla who have also made and distributed 3ply masks.In Haryana close to where Kumar's factory is, a local NGO and also the Red Cross contacted her with a request to make 20,000 masks for those in need in the area. This week, Kumar delivered 1500 non-medical masks to them and another 2000 are ready to be sent out. Bollywood couturier Lulla who has been known to design for lead actresses like Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai started producing masks three days before the lockdown was announced. Lulla created about 800 masks to distribute to the community around her home and workshop in Mumbai with the help of just two employees. But since the lockdown began, production was halted. She has been working on getting permissions to restart. Lulla would also like to begin making personal protective equipment. “I have distributed these to some hospital workers across my home; department stores near our house my workers. I would like to produce more and distribute them to those in need,” Lulla said.In Delhi, designer Varun Bahl too, wants to start with a small scale mask operation soon, either in his own home or at his factory, depending on if he can get permissions.

from Economic Times https://ift.tt/3b6jc8N