The RealReal and New York State partner for Covid relief and face mask campaign

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Oct 27, 2020

New York State has partnered with The RealReal for a new campaign to benefit Covid-19 relief efforts and remind members of the public to keep up pandemic-time health safety by wearing a face mask.

The 'Mask Up' campaign, announced on October 26 by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and his daughter, Mariah Kennedy Cuomo, will raise funds for communities impacted by Covid-19 by donating mask profits to three charities working to provide pandemic-related support in New York and across the U.S., including Feeding America, Nurse Heroes and the New York Covid Relief Fund.

In order to promote the campaign and encourage mask wearing, New York State and The RealReal have partnered with a variety of fashion designers to create limited-edition face masks designs, which will be released in weekly drops. Scheduled for every Monday, each drop will be centered around a theme inspired by New York's core values, including 'tough,' 'smart,' 'united,' 'disciplined' and 'loving,' the partners said in a press release. 

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The five-week mask drop campaign will begin with a 'New York Tough' mask designed by New York City fashion label, Public School. 

“As we continue the fight against Covid-19, one fact is clear–masks help stop the spread and save lives," Governor Cuomo said. "But, it’s also clear that Covid fatigue is setting in and that presents its own challenge."

“We need to find creative ways to encourage people to wear masks. The Mask Up campaign leverages the creativity of the New York fashion community to help solve this public health challenge, while simultaneously raising funds for communities impacted by Covid-19. Take a look at the NY Tough masks and mask up. Together, we will beat this virus.”

Other designer partners include 3.1 Phillip Lim, 4SDesigns, Alejandra Alonso Rojas, Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Chromat, Collina Strada, Jonathan Cohen, KES, Mara Hoffman, Mi Jong Lee, Michael Kors, Nili Lotan, Noah, Prabal Gurung, Rag & Bone, Romeo Hunte, Ryan Roche, Sandy Liang, Studio 189, Tanya Taylor, Thom Browne, Victor Glemaud and Zero + Maria Cornejo.

"Wearing a mask isn't a political statement, it's a simple way for us to show respect to our neighbors, our elders, the frontline workers, and everyone who is continuing to fight for the health and safety of our communities," said Phillip Lim. 

"Any chance for us to use our platform to be part of the momentum needed to move forward and help with relief initiatives, and support The RealReal, partners we cherish as well, we will do," said Mara Hoffman.

Masks can be shopped online via The RealReal.

The Mask Up campaign comes as the number Covid-19 cases in the U.S. surge to record highs. However, according to Johns Hopkins data, New York currently has the third-lowest infection rate in the nation.