Northumbria University
Specialisms: Fashion Product Development / Fashion Technology / Fashion Marketing/PR
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
First Name: Katarina
Last Name: Chovancova
Specialisms: Fashion Product Development / Fashion Technology / Fashion Marketing/PR
Sectors:
My Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
University / College: Northumbria University
Course / Program Title: Fashion Design & Marketing BA Hons
NEW ESCAPE – founded by a neurodivergent, Eastern European female entrepreneur. Her neurodivergent journey inspired her to create sensory-friendly and fashionable clothing for people within the neurodivergent community and anyone who values innovative design elements, cloud comfort and sustainabilityv. Through careful craftsmanship, attention to detail, fashion design engineering, and thorough primary and secondary research the goal
is to provide support and comfort making sure that every product produced benefits the customer and is manufactured to the highest standard. The garments are not only well-made and beautifully designed, but also provide extreme comfort, support, and functionality for day-to-day wear.
‘’When you feel like you have no clothes on, that’s how you know the design is good’’
ABOUT US: NEW ESCAPE - founded by a neurodivergent, Eastern European female entrepreneur. Her neurodivergent journey inspired her to create sensory-friendly and fashionable clothing for people within the neurodivergent community and anyone who values Innovative design elements, cloud comfort and sustainability. Through careful craftsmanship, attention to detail, fashion design engineering, and thorough primary and secondary research the goal is to provide support and comfort making sure that every product produced benefits the customer and is manufactured to the highest standard. The garments are not only well-made and beautifully designed, but also provide extreme comfort, support, and functionality for day-to-day wear. "When you feel like you have no clothes on, that's how you know the design is good'' OUR MISSION: The brand's mission isn't just to raise awareness; we aim to build a calm, safe space for the neurodivergent community and create a sense of belonging, a place where they can feel confident, comfortable, and accepted for who they are without having to worry about being judged. Our products aim to empower and help them gain confidence to be their authentic selves without fear or judgment. The world might not have been made for the neurodivergent but the clothes they choose to wear can. "Inclusivity in fashion goes beyond trends; it's about embracing diversity and designing for every individual. By creating sensory-friendly clothing, we ensure that everyone, including the neurodivergent community, feels comfortable, confident, and valued in what they wear." Project Recognition to date: The Inclusive Fashion Award WINNER sponsored by SNAG Shortlisted for Graduate Fashion Week Marketing Award Shortlisted for The IF Student Design Award 2024
Introducing an innovative collaboration that merges the realms of sensory-friendly design, virtual entertainment, and technology innovation. New Escape joined forces with Loop Earplugs, a popular brand known for their comfortable and effective noise-cancelling earplugs. They are designed to provide high-quality sound protection without sacrificing comfort, making them suitable for various activities such as sleeping, studying, concerts, or travelling. Loop earplugs are often praised for their sleek design and ability to reduce noise levels while still allowing you to hear important sounds like alarms or voices, and the virtual K-pop girl group MAVE. Together, they worked to create an innovative sensory experience tailored to the special needs of neurodivergent individuals both in real life and in the metaverse created by NE called "Mind Oasis". Recognising the growing interest in and engagement of neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals with virtual spaces and digital environments, this collaboration sought to integrate cutting-edge technology with sensory-friendly design to create a unique auditory experience. This collaboration bridges the gap between the worlds of virtual entertainment and sensory-friendly design, catering to the unique needs and preferences of neurodiverse communities while embracing the transformative power of technology. The earplugs seamlessly integrated with virtual reality headsets, enabling users to enjoy immersive gaming experiences or virtual concerts without compromising their sensory comfort. This collaboration not only highlighted the potential of technology to accommodate diverse sensory needs but also celebrated the creativity and innovation that emerge when artists, brands, and communities come together to create meaningful and inclusive experiences in the digital age. Join us on a journey where music meets innovation and sensory inclusivity takes centre stage. Combining Loop Earplugs' expertise in sound management with New Escape's commitment to sensory-friendly design, the collaboration produced a line of earplugs that not only provided superior noise reduction but also prioritised comfort, usability, and inclusivity!
Amordise: Where Art Meets Activism. As a gender-neutral and antifashion brand, it transcends traditional fashion boundaries to become a powerful art movement. Bold colours and striking graphics contrast with the profound and often dark narratives behind each garment, addressing critical issues like immigration and labour rights. Every piece is a statement designed to shock, evoke emotions, and provoke thought. Through strong visuals and typography, the brand communicates its values and philosophy, making Amordise not just a brand but a catalyst for change. “In the darkest moments of separation and struggle, it is the vibrant spirit of hope and resilience that shines the brightest, transforming our stories of loss into a tapestry of new beginnings.” The collection is deeply inspired by the immigration issue and aims to raise awareness about the mistreatment of minorities. It reflects the struggles of immigrants seeking home and refuge in new lands, often facing the heart-wrenching reality of not being able to return and see their loved ones. Each piece is a wearable canvas that holds and tells a real-life story, bringing to light the personal struggles and triumphs of immigrants and marginalised communities.