Fashion

One of the best parts of the NFL Draft is the CRAZY FASHION -- but don't expect to see too many crazy suits this year, thanks to COVID-19.

With the Draft going virtual -- and everyone from players to coaches to execs staying home -- the market for those dope tailored suits has basically dried out.

There's no way for the players to get to their tailors for measurements -- and we're told several players plan on going casual as a result.

One top celebrity tailor put it this way -- "Since it’s a virtual draft this year, there will sadly be no need for suits."

Another huge tailor said, "At this time none of the draftees I would normally have dressed for the occasion have committed to wearing a custom piece this year due to circumstances."

We reached out to the NFL to see if there is a dress code that would require players to dress up for the occasion, but we were told there is no policy regarding clothing.

"It’s up to the individual players," an NFL spokesperson tells us ... but hinted we most likely won't see draftees getting selected while wearing sweatpants.

"In previous years, players who did not attend the Draft but appeared in interviews with NFL Network or ESPN generally wore suits."

A Fashion Nova employee has contracted the coronavirus, setting off a massive cleaning process and resulting in several employees being sent home.

According to a spokesperson for FN Logistics ... the employee who recently tested positive for COVID-19 worked at the warehouse in Sante Fe, CA. Their most recent day on the job was April 15.

The rep says the worker is now home under quarantine for 14 days. The company also told anyone who came in contact with this person to stay home in quarantine for the next 2 weeks ... with pay.

We're told, all Fashion Nova employees have been instructed to stay home if they are experiencing any of the common symptoms of coronavirus -- coughing, fever, trouble breathing -- and contact HR.

In addition ... the FN rep says the area where the infected employee worked was immediately shut down and disinfected. The entire distribution facility was closed Thursday night, so a cleaning company could complete a deep clean ... using only CDC-approved products.

We're told other precautionary measures are being taken, such as temperature checks for those entering the building and ensuring social distancing guidelines are maintained by limiting the daily headcount.

As we reported ... Fashion Nova, along with brand ambassador Cardi B, is giving away $1,000 per hour right now to people needing financial relief due to the pandemic.

Dogs sporting medical-grade snout masks would have turned heads 2 months ago -- now it's becoming a common sight amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

These shots aren't just from pet-crazed USA ... the gallery shows dog owners all around the world -- countries in Asia, South and North America -- want to make sure their pets do NOT have a nose for COVID-19.

There is reason for some concern. As we reported, researchers at the National Institutes of Health have seen evidence of humans transmitting the virus to their pets -- cats and dogs.

So far, there have been 2 known cases of dogs testing positive ... both in Hong Kong. The masks on dogs couldn't hurt ... plus, most of 'em look kinda cute. Think Doggie Howser, M.D.

The Cleveland Browns have hopped in a time machine and taken their jerseys back a few years ... debuting a new, yet familiar, look ... and the sales will help coronavirus relief!!!

The Brownies decided to scrap their attempt at modernizing their look -- and thank GOD they did -- ditching the big letters and awkward stripes from their 2015 redesign for a much more traditional feel.

Seriously, the new jerseys give major Tom Couch vibes ... and we're here for it.

Browns EVP made a statement on the change on Wednesday, saying "We wanted to get back to the roots of who the Browns are."

"We've heard it from our fans and from our players. We needed to get back to our roots."

Not only did the Browns get the threads right, the team is using the big reveal to help those fighting the COVID-19 pandemic ... by donating all net proceeds on the jersey sales to the team's "Hats Off To Our Heroes" Fund, which will aid healthcare professionals and first responders.

Cardi B and Fashion Nova are stepping up with a stimulus package of their own -- giving away $1,000 PER HOUR to families struggling through the pandemic.

Cardi announced Wednesday she and the fashion line she reps will give away a total of $1 million beginning today and continuing through May 20. The Fashion Nova Cares initiative will put the money directly in the hands of people desperately needing relief.

Richard Saghian, founder and CEO of Fashion Nova, says, "People are struggling to pay rent, buy food, medicine and other essentials for themselves and their families. We all feel compassion and concern for those affected by the Coronavirus."

He added, "Fashion Nova Cares with Cardi B will provide people with necessary relief to help them get through this crisis. As a community-driven brand, we are inspired by the kindness and generosity of others and we wanted to do our part to help those in need.”

To qualify for the dough, people will need to visit fashionnova.com/cares to share their stories and information. The group will then choose 24 people each day for the duration of the program.

As we've seen around the country, there are MASSIVE lines just to file for unemployment benefits or get food ... like what we saw in Florida and Texas.

It's gonna take more than the government to pull us through, so kudos to Cardi and Fashion Nova. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

When Nike was handed the opportunity to get involved in the country's fight against coronavirus, there was only one way to respond -- just do it.

The Swoosh announced its factories are pivoting to make full-face shields and powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) lenses to help healthcare workers in need.

Nike explained it's repurposing collar-padding from shoes, cords from apparel, like bags, and the plastic used to make the brand's signature Air soles to make the face shields.

... and we gotta admit, they look kinda cool, too.

“The full-face shields help protect healthcare workers’ faces and also help to prolong the length we can safely use a surgical or N95 mask," said Dr. Miko Enomoto, associate professor at the Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine.

"Nike’s generous response to the COVID-19 crisis helps to instill an added layer of confidence and support for healthcare workers, that we can safely carry out the jobs we were born to do.”

As we previously reported ... New Balance also got into the mask-making production last week -- with hopes of making 100,000 a week.

"Made shoes yesterday. Making masks today."

New Balance is turning its focus from shoes to protective masks during the coronavirus pandemic ... using its stateside facilities to help out with the huge demand.

The U.S.-based shoe company -- which also recently donated $2 million to COVID-19 relief -- debuted its prototype mask this week ... saying the goal is to make 100,000 masks-per-week to send to medical facilities.

"This is not a commercial opportunity," the company said in a statement. "NB is pursuing break-even pricing and/or donations for the face mask."

On top of the masks, New Balance is hoping to whip up other equipment like hospital gowns, foot coverings and other helpful items needed in hospitals.

Daymond John's issuing a dire warning to most brick-and-mortar retail stores struggling during the coronavirus pandemic ... adapt or die.

The "Shark Tank" star joined us Thursday on "TMZ Live" and said -- with most of the nation under stay-at-home orders -- now is the time for businesses that usually rely on foot traffic to find new ways to thrive.

Let's face it, most retail stores typically in malls and shopping plazas were already struggling, but the pandemic closures are speeding up their demise. Daymond says luxury stores like Louis Vuitton, or superstores like Target and Walmart, will survive -- but most others will have to add offer some value to customers besides their product.

He says the future is in direct sales, just like a company he invested in on "Shark Tank." Smart plug, Daymond!

While the coronavirus has upended the world and created a new way of living, it's also causing a frenzy with folks looking to cash in on the pandemic ... who are racing to lock down the rights to the oft-heard term, "social distancing."

TMZ did some digging, and since March 15 -- when U.S. cities began to really understand the threat of COVID-19 and implement guidelines to help stop the spread -- more than 10 people and companies have filed trademark applications for "social distancing."

According to the docs ... the trademark types range from beer and CBD oil to common merchandise products like t-shirts, hats, signs, stickers and games.

There's also one applicant looking to slap "social distancing" on an online photography school.

A couple notable names in the hunt for a trademark include the creators of the popular game, What Do You Meme? -- which unsurprisingly wants the rights to make "Social Distancing: The Game" -- and Maxx Sports and Entertainment ... which reps a bunch of famous athletes and brands.

So, prepare to hear a lot more about social distancing in the coming weeks, and if these shrewd business folks get their wish ... long into the future.

Kim Kardashian West has jumped on ship with countless other celebs -- including her sister -- in donating a massive amount to help battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Kim just announced her SKIMS shapewear will be supporting mothers and children in need at this time with a $1 million donation. She says the money will specifically benefit families affected by COVID-19.

She says in order to bring relief to those hit hardest by the pandemic, SKIMS is restocking its original collection Monday ... and a cool mil in proceeds will be donated.

Kim's announcement comes a day after Kylie Jenner's million-dollar donation for coronavirus relief efforts. Her charitable contribution will go toward the production of face masks and other protective gear to be used by healthcare workers.

Designer Michael Costello is answering the call to help medical pros protect themselves while treating COVID-19 patients ... by making much-needed masks.

The "Project Runway" darling from season 8 was hard at work Friday in his DTLA factory when he joined us on "TMZ Live." Michael's converted his operation to crank out medical and non-medical grade masks ... instead of haute couture gowns.

MC says his seamstress team is practicing social-distancing while at work ... spacing out their sewing stations. Their mission is to do as much as possible to answer L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti's call for 5 million masks through the new L.A. Protects initiative.

Michael says he'll donate these masks to first-responders, hospitals and other medical facilities in desperate need for the equipment.

Check out the video ... Costello also called on other L.A. fashion designers to join the cause, and showed us some of his team's handiwork. It's admirable, to say the least, considering L.A. is bracing for a massive wave of COVID-19 patients.