From sketches to stitches: SU's Solace Collective redefines fashion inclusivity to a new level

Yahoo

03-05-2025

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Fidgeting, shifting, needing to move — for many neurodivergent individuals, it's a daily struggle. But what if your clothes could stop this? For one Syracuse University startup, fashion isn't just about style — it's about inclusion.
What started as an idea in Syracuse University's Intelligence++ class, aimed at creating inclusive products, soon evolved into a real-world business: Solace Collective, a clothing brand designed to help neurodivergent people manage their fidgeting.
'We wanted to set out and find a solution that reassures the wearer. Whether they want to fidget discreetly, it allows them to feel grounded and empowered so they can go through their day,' said Aiden Turner, CFO of Solace Collective and SU student.
Turner says that a lot of clothes on the market have itchy tags, seams, and collars that can impact how a neurodivergent person feels and goes throughout their day. Solace Collective aims to fill that gap in the market. Not only are they trying to bring sensory comfort, but they're helping those find reassurance in themselves. After all, clothes go with you all day, so feeling confident in what you're wearing can go a long way.
In recent years, fidget toys have been all the rage. But, according to Turner, not only can they be distracting to others, due to social media trends, they are also marketed to everyone and do not meet the universal needs of all neurodivergent people.
That's why, when Solace Collective was founded, Carolyne Fernandes, SU senior and co-founder, was excited to see the impact it would have — she knows.
'For me, having a solution where I can regulate my daily life without it being a distraction or unprofessional is… I mean, it's life-changing for me,' she said.
Fernandes is neurodivergent, having OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and autism. She says a lot of products on the market are pseudo solutions and place all neurodivergent people under one solution.
Turner agreed, acknowledging the vast needs of the neurodivergent community.
'We understand it's not one size fits all and there's a vast range of spectrum needs, and we are going to do our best to continue developing products and continue developing those needs as we can,' said Turner.
Solace Collective currently has four prototypes. They plan to keep expanding to meet the needs of the community.
'We're trying to address that…by having some things that are very weighted and some things that are very light, to be able to compromise for all of the different neurodivergent people,' Fernandes said when talking about some of her goals to expand the products Solace.
When asked what she wished her younger self had known, Fernandes paused, considering the weight of the question. She reflected on her 22 years of living, considering the totality of both her successes and challenges.
'I would tell my younger self, no matter who I am and the conditions I have, I need to do what I need to do to regulate myself on a daily basis,' she said. 'And if I can't find those things, then make those things.'
That's exactly what she did. Her creativity has followed her throughout her life. Combined with her passion for solving these issues, it led to the creation of the Solace Collective.
'I've always wanted to be creative and solve these problems,' she said. 'Putting myself in that sweatshirt as a child, understanding that this is something that's going to make you proud of who you are, but also give you the solutions you need for your daily life.'
Throughout the school year, the team has gone above and beyond—not only putting in hard work to meet their goals but also putting their hearts into it.
'Putting all our passions and skills together has been amazing,' said Turner. 'We have been able to accomplish some great things, and everybody has their talent. We've been able to come together and create a truly meaningful brand.'
That's what makes the approaching end of the school year bittersweet. Most of the team members are seniors and will be leaving to start their careers. However, that roadblock isn't stopping the team from continuing to do what they love: improving lives.
Turner told NewsChannel 9 that starting next year, the team plans to launch a research division, led by rising senior Bella Tabak. The division will focus on gathering more data on people who are neurodivergent to help create new prototypes that address different needs.
As Turner and Fernandez walk across the stage to receive their diplomas on May 11, they won't be looking back on what they accomplished—they'll be looking ahead.
'We are not leaving it behind. We are going to take it with us and bring it out into the world,' said Turner.
Turner is confident that because they were able to accomplish so much in just a year, the momentum will continue after graduation. Fernandez agrees.
'I can't not see this company taking off and really blowing up,' she said. 'So… for me at least, this is going to be my future.'
Solace Collective plans to launch their website in June.
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