Our Story

Made with care and unconditionally loved by our customers.

The image features a man and a woman wearing SOLACE Collective pieces styled in a casual, coordinated look. Both are dressed in ivory-colored SOLACE TEE t-shirts paired with the FRAY sets. Each has a SOLACE Collective FRAY hoodie draped over their shoulders, and they are standing closely together, smiling, showcasing the relaxed and expressive aesthetic of the collection.

At SOLACE Collective...

Fashion has long overlooked the needs of neurodivergent people; those with Autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, or anxiety. Comfort often takes a back seat to aesthetics, leaving millions without clothing that truly supports their everyday lives.

We’re changing that! We design sensory-friendly loungewear that’s as stylish as it is functional. Our pieces eliminate irritation, invite self-expression, and create a sense of belonging. Our award-winning designs are made with soft, upcycled materials, crafted without tags or harsh seams, and designed with subtle fidget-friendly features.

But our mission extends beyond just clothing. We are building a movement that is rooted in reassurance, confidence, and comfort. Whether you’re neurodivergent or simply seeking ease in what you wear, everyone can find solace here.

Carolyn’s story

Carolyn Fernandes is neurodivergent; she has ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and autism. She was once rejected from a job because she was picking at her nails during the interview. This experience made her question what it meant to be dismissed over something so small and involuntary. These sensory regulation behaviors are essential for the neurodiverse, but are often perceived as “unprofessional.”

There are some tools that have hit the mainstream, but they exist either hidden away in desk drawers, marketed towards children, or lack any creative expression, appearing more clinical. There was a clear disconnect between the need and design. Inspired by Carolyn’s story, SOLACE decided to create a solution with something that goes with you everywhere, but currently does very little to help people regulate: clothing.

The image features Carolyn Fernandes holding a pair of SOLACE Collective’s signature FRAY sweatpants in blue, showcasing their distinctive red underlay and tactile, fidget-friendly design. She smiles as she presents the piece, highlighting both the garment’s bold aesthetic and its sensory-driven functionality.

The image shows a classroom setting where students engage in collaborative discussion with an instructor. One student participates via video call on a laptop, while others gather around the table, actively listening as the instructor gestures to emphasize a point, creating an atmosphere of shared learning and exchange.

Intelligence++

SOLACE began within Intelligence++, a program at Syracuse University that reimagines entrepreneurship and design through the lens of inclusion. The program emphasizes creating with disabled individuals, not just for them to ensure that every solution reflects real needs and lived experiences. This foundation continues to shape how we design, collaborate, and build community. Click here to read more.

We want to hear your story!

Reach out to join the SOLACE seeker family!

Aidan Turner

Chief Executive Officer

Graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in architecture and real estate. Founder of Grater Things & Grater Things Threads with five years in garment design, sales, production and supply chain management. Previous VP of the Fashion & Design Society and passionate entrepreneurial mentor for the LaunchPad & Couri Hatchery.

Carolyn Fernandes

Chief Product Officer

Graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in industrial & interaction design; environment, sustainability & policy; spanish language, literature, & culture; and sustainability in design. Neurodivergent designer with award-winning adaptive concepts.

Lucas d’Oelsnitz

Chief Financial Officer

Graduate of Syracuse University with degrees in finance and entrepreneurship. Experience in project finance, ESG reporting, and credit risk management, supporting restructuring strategies and portfolio oversight at DZ BANK and First Citizens Bank.

Bella Tabak

Project Manager

Magazine journalism major at Syracuse University with a minor in creative writing. Skilled in reporting, copywriting, and project management. As the former editor-in-chief of University Girl Magazine, she brings leadership experience and a passion for sustainable and inclusive fashion.