New Optimist
Nelleke Wegdam is a seasoned creative professional with extensive experience in leadership roles across various organizations. Currently serving as Creative Director and Co-founder of New Optimist since January 2020, Nelleke previously founded and held the position of Creative Director at No Office since September 2004. Earlier in their career, Nelleke was a partner and designer at hardtroze from 2003 to 2010 and worked as a graphic designer at Solar Initiative from January 2000 to August 2004. Nelleke Wegdam holds a degree from ArtEZ University of the Arts, where studies were completed from 1995 to 1999.
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New Optimist
Join us on our mission that aims systemic change in the fashion industry: social, local, circular Our dream is a fundamental and systemic change in the fashion industry: Local, social and circular. New Optimist shows a new holistic way from Amsterdam: a social atelier and local clothing brand that operates fully within the boundaries of the Donut Economy. The social atelier produces all garments in Amsterdam and facilitates a creative fusion of tasks, talents and backgrounds. People from different backgrounds participate in a commercial company that builds on the social foundation of all members of the team, including the makers of the garments from our local Amsterdam community. All New Optimist garments are designed and produced following 3 circular design principles. 1) make products that don’t create waste or pollution, 2) Make durable products, 3) Use recycled materials and achieve garment recyclability. By putting the makers and the production process in the spotlight, we celebrate the beautiful craft of making garments.