In response to the growing Covid-19 pandemic, and the shortage of N95 face masks, Alabama Chanin pivots manufacturing to masks, designed in collaboration with local medical professionals and intended for reuse. Along with orders from hospitals and organizations across the country, contributions from the public allow masks to be donated to local medical facilities, nursing homes, schools, and police departments. Partnering with other family-owned businesses and artisans to speed delivery times and increase quantity, limited-edition face masks are produced in partnership with Fashion Girls for the Front Lines—proceeds benefiting frontline workers in the form of protective devices.
Slide 1: Edison Face Mask in Natural Lightweight Organic Cotton Jersey, Alabama Chanin, 2020, photograph by Robert Rausch
Slide 2: Contrast Florence Face Mask in Natural Lightweight Organic Cotton Jersey, Alabama Chanin, 2020, photograph by Robert Rausch; 100% Organic Non-Medical Grade Face Mask, the first of Alabama Chanin’s production, 2020, photograph by Robert Rausch
Slide 3: Natalie Chanin in the Graffiti Face Mask; Gilded Face Mask, 2020, Alabama Chanin, photograph by Robert Rausch (These organic cotton masks utilize fabrics with slight imperfections that could not be used in our collections)
Slide 4: Organic Cotton Face Masks made from upcycled organic cotton materials from stenciling and production departments, Alabama Chanin, 2020, photograph by Robert Rausch.
Slide 5: Face Mask production in Alabama Chanin’s Building 14 manufacturing division, 2020, photograph by Bonnie Mudler for Alabama Chanin