From Evangelion to Elegance: Neon Darling’s Glowing Rise
Neon Darling is a fairly new player in the world of weeb-adjacent clothing, with owner and designer Amy making waves in the scene through colourful yet edgy garments.
Making its grand entrance in 2022 with the debut collection, fittingly named “It All Begins Here”, Amy began a journey that was more than just launching a clothing brand. It became a creative outlet of love, storytelling, and honest self-expression.
Built from the ground up, Neon Darling was born from a vision of combining dark, moody aesthetics, think Neo Tokyo from the ’80s, with pastel tones. It’s a style we’ve yet to see executed this well in both the J-fashion community and among streetwear enthusiasts.
Coming into this with a deep love for art and design, Amy meticulously crafted bold, unique pieces that somehow look good on everyone. A major part of that process was size inclusivity. In the first collection, It All Begins Here, Amy identified the demand for extended sizing and took it a step further by making her pieces accessible beyond just fit, through the use of natural fabrics, ethical craftsmanship, and what she calls her “creative heart.”
And it’s clear that the heart shows no signs of slowing down.
What’s stood out to me personally is a detail in the most recent collection, Genesis—each garment features a patch with a unique, hand-soldered serial number. This touch resonates deeply with Amy's original intention: creating meaningful, limited collections. She wants every piece to feel unique to the wearer—inclusive yet exclusive.
Neon Darling isn't just about clothes; it’s about building a community of bold, loving people who share the same values. A creative home for those who feel safe and seen within the brand’s vision. And honestly? I find that quite beautiful.
Limited edition isn’t just a gimmick here, it’s the heart of the brand. A fleeting drop in time, made into a tangible, lasting memory. With every release, the focus remains on natural fabrics and a slow-fashion approach, no matter how much the brand grows.
As an Australian brand, Amy finds inspiration close to home within this niche creative community. When I asked who influences her, she immediately mentioned Living Lewd and SoyToy Club, two creatives who continue to push boundaries and offer support without being asked, both creatively and as mentors. Absolute Territory has also been by Amy’s side since the beginning, supporting her as she tirelessly built Neon Darling from the ground up.
Other design inspirations include Invasion Club, ACDCRAG, and SUPERLOVE, brands that all play a part in fueling the fire behind Neon Darling’s vision.
When it came to naming the brand, Amy put a lot of thought and intention into it. Neon was non-negotiable; one scroll through Neon Darling’s socials and the pastel-neon palette becomes obvious. It’s the brand’s lifeblood (and a not-so-subtle nod to everyone’s favourite Evangelion).
Darling is a word that feels “soft yet strong” to Amy, fitting for an independently run, woman-owned brand. Honestly, it suits Amy perfectly. But between you and me? It’s also a subtle nod to Darling in the Franxx. The name strikes a perfect balance between sweet and bold, tying the brand’s values up in a neat little bow.
Neon Darling may take inspiration from other designers, anime, and art, but I think Amy is an inspiration in her own right. She’s built this brand from scratch without compromising her values. In a world of fast fashion, her focus on creating year-round wearable art is a rare and admirable feat.
I hope you’ll check out Neon Darling for yourself, and if you're lucky, maybe you’ll own a piece of wearable art that feels like it was made just for you.