French fashion industry launches online charity auction

Céline proposes the most wishlisted Triumph handbag in royal blue. — Chanel

(Image credit: press)

With a chain of coronavirus-related fundraising campaigns underway around the world, the French fashion industry is doing its bit for the cause: La mode s’engage (which roughly translates as ‘fashion commits’ in English), a four-day online charity auction launching on 1 May.

This project goes hand in hand with #ProtegeTonSoignant, a French civil association devoted to help local caregivers, not only by collecting funds but also by logistics such as monitoring needs of medical institutions, chasing and dispatching equipment supplies.

While Schiaparelli opted for clothing items dipped in a turquoise sun-reflecting-water print. Male bidders are not excluded — Chanel

More than 100 donors, mostly Paris-based or Paris Fashion Week participants, responded to the call of Sarah Andeleman, former head buyer and creative director of Colette, the fashion federation FHCM (Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode), and other collaborators. The donors list includes luxury players, emerging designers and lifestyle brands. They created original collector-pieces or picked up a few from their ongoing collections, playing out with a shade of blue bordering on electric, the symbolic colour of #ProtegeTonSoignant.

Céline proposes the most wishlisted Triumph handbag in royal blue. Another iconic bag, Chanel’s 2.55 is adorned with blue-shaded camellias. While Schiaparelli opted for clothing items dipped in a turquoise sun-reflecting-water print. Male bidders are not excluded. Kim Jones of Dior offers a Saddle bag with air-brush effect. One of the most unique choices is by Gauthier Borsarello, a rare-vintage reseller. The perfect piece he found is a 1994 Pink Floyd T-shirt of blue-hued tie&dye. For all items, bidding starts at 100 euros. Funds raised will go towards purchasing vital protective equipment like surgical masks and protective gowns for healthcare workers in France. The lots will be shipped out with high security attention, once France’s lockdown period is lifted, likely on 11 May.

Dior offers a Saddle bag with air-brush effect — Celine

INFORMATION

lamodesengage.com

La mode s’engage auction, from 12:00 (GMT+1) 1 May through 23:59 (GMT+1) 4 May. Sign up online in order to bid.

Minako Norimatsu is a Japanese journalist and consultant based in Paris. Extremely curious about everything creative, her field ranges from fashion to art, dance, hospitality and travel. She has interviewed many Japanese fashion designers and artists for Wallpaper*, as well as non-Japanese creatives whose inspirations are drawn from Japan.