ONE STEP AT A TIME, DAVID LAPORT’S SOCKS ARE RAISING AWARENESS FOR ALZHEIMER’S
By: Prachi Khatri
Fashion is often associated with style and trends however, in today’s world where everyone feels connected through cause, fashion has become a very powerful vehicle and voice for many good causes. Fashion houses and brands across the world are realizing that focusing on philanthropic initiatives is a win-win by creating awareness for a cause and having more spotlight on their products.
Dutch designer David Laport, known for his couture designs and circular fashion, is championing philanthropy by drawing attention to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Laport has partnered up with 'Team Alzheimer' to design socks for patients with Alzheimer's or dementia. Each sock in a pair has two slightly different looks where colors alternate. The intent is to create conversation, awareness and a sense of the fact that you often don't see from the outside that people are battling a debilitating disease on the inside.
Image Source: Team Alzheimer’s official website
The internationally renowned designer, David Laport, has curated outfits for many celebrities like Rihanna, Sia, Pink, etc., and is well known for subtle designs, recycled fabrics and sustainability. A large portion of proceeds from the socks go towards the Alzheimer Center Amsterdam.
Alzheimer’s is a disease where people lose memory. You can forget your birthday, your family member’s names, directions to your house, the name of your kids or even your anniversary. Imagine leaving your home and forgetting why you are even outside, where you are or your identity. It is hard seeing your loved one go through it, and at the same time, it is hard to identify an Alzheimer's patient because there are no physical signs, it is all from within.
Laport’s subtle design expresses the fact that dementia may not be visible from outside, but you can still distinguish a person with dementia up close. Different textures or patterns, for instance, could draw the wearer's attention and offer a brief but significant engagement that enhances their well-being. It’s elegant and subtle design makes them wearable for multiple moments and knowing that proceeds each sock sale will go towards dementia research is very comforting.
Image Source: Team Alzheimer’s official website
The Alzheimer’s socks are not just a mere product but an effort to draw attention towards the growing number of Alzheimer patients and raise awareness about the disease to help support its research. Laport's collaboration with Team Alzheimer extends beyond the individual product; it’s a testament to the power of philanthropy in fashion and how fashion can be used as a tool to support critical health care initiatives.
Team Alzheimer’s quotes that “every 10 minutes, one dementia patient arrives”. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 50 million dementia patients around the world with 10 million new cases every year. With every 9.99 euro you spend on Alzheimer’s socks, 6 euros go towards scientific research of the disease, which is the net sale proceeds.
Fashion has always reflected societal trends however, over recent years it has taken a far more important role. Thanks to designers like Laport, fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about bringing the change you want to see in the world. Philanthropy in fashion is not only bringing creativity but also inspiring others to be innovative in raising awareness for a good cause. For more about Laport’s socks - https://teamalzheimer.nl/campagnes/alzheimer-socks-2024/