FABRIC | Arizona Apparel Foundation
132 E. 6^th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
www.FABRICTempe.com | www.AZApparelFoundation.org
602-743-4638
FabricTempe@gmail.com | info@AZApparelFoundation.com

PRESS RELEASE

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Angela Johnson
602-481-1032
Angela@AngelaJohnsonDesigns.com
 

AZ FASHION INCUBATOR SEEKING TO MANUFACTURE SAFE PPE

FABRIC poised to manufacture medical-grade gowns and masks; advises of risks that homemade products could have

Tempe, Arizona March 22, 2020 - FABRIC, Tempe’s fashion incubator, is normally known for fashion shows and helping new designers make beautiful apparel. But as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) their manufacturing area will soon be making medical-quality gowns and masks.

“We would have started making these garments already but there are significant CDC and FDA standards to producing medical-grade masks and gowns,” FABRIC cofounder Angela Johnson said. “Making masks outside of the government-regulated standards may not only be futile, it could be potentially harmful to healthcare workers. We know people want to help, but masks and gowns made from everyday cloth from a home will not be effective in fighting coronavirus.”

The coronavirus spreads through small droplets. Materials need to adhere to AAMI standards in order to be effective. Items such as masks and N95 respirators need to be manufactured and packed in clean rooms. They are made out of multiple layers of medical-grade material.
The facility is currently working to obtain the materials required to make safe, usable garments and should be ready to manufacture them soon. They have orders pending from some of the largest hospital chains in the state as well as first responders. 

“FABRIC was designed to be nimble and to help people manufacture what is most needed by a community, and to help designers succeed. We are proud to be able to help our medical professionals in this time of urgent need,” said FABRIC cofounder Sherri Barry. 

Media is welcome to make an appointment from 10 to noon on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 to talk with FABRIC representatives about the importance of providing only medical-grade gowns and masks to healthcare professionals and the steps it takes to craft them. More information on https://www.fabrictempe.com/ppeefforts

FABRIC representatives will reach out when production of gowns and masks begins.
 

###

​
FABRIC (FASHION AND BUSINESS RESOURCE INNOVATION CENTER) is a fashion incubator where apparel entrepreneurs can grow their abilities and their businesses. Featuring co-working and event spaces, workshops, online resources, and classes as well as mentorship, micro-manufacturing and marketing opportunities, FABRIC allows designers to take their idea from concept to sewn to sold under one roof. Since 2016, FABRIC has assisted over 450 emerging and established brands with their design, manufacturing and business needs. The facility is a unique partnership of the City of Tempe, the 501c-3 Arizona Apparel Foundation, and FABRIC and is located in downtown Tempe just off of Mill Avenue and on the Arizona State University footprint as well as online at fabrictempe.com.
 
ARIZONA APPAREL FOUNDATION is a non-profit 501(c)(3) with the mission to provide Arizona’s emerging designers and brands with innovative, small batch manufacturing and strategic business resources, so they can build sustainable fashion businesses locally. With the help of over 700 fashion community volunteers and a prestigious board of directors, AAF provides DESIGNER IN RESIDENCE SCHOLARSHIPS, FREE CLASSES, FREE EVENTS, VOCATIONAL TRAINING for disadvantaged workers and many fashion related programs and services to the community. AAF’S signature events include AZ ECO FASHION WEEK (www.AZEcoFashionWeek.com), the Designer in Residence CULTIVATE fashion show, and the anniversary fundraiser. AAF can be found on AZApparelFoundation.org.