NEUTHREAD BY DAISY CHAIN’S NEU WAY FORWARD, A POSITIVE IMPACT ON FASHION AND NEURODIVERGENT COMMUNITIES
By: Janice Ronan
Despite the best of intentions and efforts of designers, manufacturers, marketers and retailers, a staggering 64% of the 32 billion garments produced for the fashion world end up succumbing to their inevitable fate each year…ditched in landfills otherwise known as fashion’s ultimate graveyard.
Breathing new life into the garment industry is Neuthread, an intuitive, charitable, circular fashion brand conceptualized out of the need to make a real and substantial difference, tackling post-consumer fashion waste. Imagined by charity, Daisy Chain (North East London), and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, Neuthread gives fashion an exciting new twist. By repurposing existing fibers and textiles, the initiative saves otherwise undesirable, discarded garments that were destined for the dump – turning them into one of a kind, high-fashion creations. All while reducing our carbon footprint, saving water, energy, and chemicals. Ultimately, setting a new and much needed standard in the fashion industry
“We have invested considerable time into the design process to ensure we bring forward a brand that is credible, fashionable and ethical to its very core. I am optimistic about the brand’s future and hope that we can secure the funding we need to grow it further.”
~ Neeraj Sharma, Neuthread Creative Director and Daisy Chain CEO
Daisy Chain supports and empowers neurodivergent individuals through the delivery of holistic, attentive, community-centric services that promote training, wellbeing, inclusion and acceptance both regionally and nationwide.
Established in 2003 by founder, Lesley Hanson, whose son, Jacob was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Lesley quickly became aware of the lack of assistance available in the region for autistic people. She envisioned a safe sanctuary for autistic children, adults and their families; a place where they could receive personalized encouragement where they could feel free to be their most authentic selves. The Daisy Chain Day Centre is located on a beautiful 5.5-acre site with state-of-the-art facilities including therapeutic animal therapy. A variety of community outreach programs are widely available and easily accessible.
Tragically, Lesley passed away in 2004 but her inspiring journey and legacy lives on through the amazing work that Daisy Chain, Neuthread and the countless volunteers continue to do daily.
The ‘Neu’ in Neuthread plays on words and is representative of the work the project does with and in support of neurodivergent people. The term Neurodivergent is a non-medical umbrella term that describes people with variation in their mental functions and can include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other neurological or developmental conditions such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Passionate about raising awareness on the importance of sustainable fashion, Neuthread hit the prestigious runways (with a cast of neurodivergent models) of LFW’24 (London Fashion Week) and NFW’23 (Northern Fashion Week) to rave reviews.
“It was an honour and a privilege to have shown at London Fashion Week in its 40th year and it has been wonderful to have such positive reactions. “Neuthread is the embodiment of environment, community and social purpose with all future profits reinvested back into frontline services supporting autistic and neurodivergent people.”
~ Neeraj Sharma, Neuthread Creative Director and Daisy Chain CEO
Neuthread is currently showcased and available for purchase at the Daisy Chain Megastore (Team Valley Retail Park in Gateshead) and can also be purchased on the Neuthread website.
The best part is that anyone can get involved and continue to foster community. Daisy Chain/Neuthread is currently recruiting volunteers to support a variety of projects connected to the charity. A diverse range of positions are up for grabs including pattern cutting, tailoring positions, eCommerce, photography, and social media. There are also a variety of fundraising, events, and animal sponsorship possibilities available. Creating opportunities for every kind of mind!
Photos courtesy of Neuthread.