What can I do to help fight the pandemic?
Our 2020 Summer collection is called “Clear / Lucid”. We chose this name months ago when we were preparing the collection and before the coronavirus was even known. We had discussed that the collection was based on simplicity and lightness, and that through this new collection, we aimed to eliminate excess in every setting and promote a high-quality and sustainable approach to clothing.
Just a few months ago, we were saying, "Nothing will happen to us. We're far from China, the necessary precautions have already been taken," when unexpectedly our lives took a completely different turn. We were confined to our homes, and we began maintaining physical distance even from our closest relatives. The "Zoom" program, which I hadn't even heard of until the quarantine days, became central to my work life. Cooking for my children also became my primary creative activity. Birthdays began to be celebrated via phone or computer screens. I started sharing recipes with my friends every day.
Following the forced changes brought about by the first wave of the pandemic, I decided to create a mental distance between myself and the virus. While trying to adjust to a new life routine at home, I began to think about how I could individually contribute to the society I am a part of with the knowledge and experience I possess. I asked myself how I could transform the technological equipment and expertise I use for my own brand to benefit more people.
I was saddened to observe that one of the biggest problems for healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic is protective clothing, and that the healthcare system lacks adequate equipment in this area. News from hospitals revealed that healthcare workers are most often exposed to the virus while changing their clothes. It saddened me to hear that most of the protective materials used are imported, and to be reminded that their carbon footprint is one of the main factors contributing to the current state of our world. The importance of producing goods with local materials was once again clearly evident.
When we were children, we used to celebrate "Domestic Products Week," I hope some of you remember. Maybe it's still celebrated, but we don't hear much about it anymore since globalization. We've become too accustomed to seeing supermodels in the fashion industry, of which I am a part, or in the glittering world of Instagram. This world, where everything is bigger, brighter, more glamorous, and more extravagant, unfortunately couldn't protect those working in the healthcare sector despite all its splendor.
While our current technical knowledge and infrastructure allow us to offer antibacterial solutions, we have not yet developed a textile product that protects against viruses. We have long included antibacterial fabrics in our collections, and these were produced using our country's natural resources. However, this time we are facing a virus, not a bacterium.
In our country, a leader in the textile industry with significant investment and technology, we began discussing and brainstorming with industry representatives about what we could do under these conditions. We shared our expertise with leaders in the textile and healthcare sectors and rolled up our sleeves to produce protective clothing.
Our goal is to produce a fabric in our country that will primarily protect public employees against the virus. We want to ensure that it is sustainable, reusable (i.e., washable), and retains its antiviral properties even after prolonged use.
Research and development work has already begun, involving three textile factories, two universities, a design office, a biochemistry laboratory, a hospital, and two garment workshops. We hope that this new type of fabric we will produce will greatly benefit public employees by offering sufficient protection and being easy to put on and take off.
We know we have to give back every breath we take. If we can ease the challenging working conditions of healthcare professionals who work tirelessly for us with this new fabric we're producing, we'll be very happy. We have to repay them for what they do for us.
Arzu Kaprol
April 10, 2020, Istanbul
