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Zero Waste Daniel and Disney Celebrate 40 Years of ‘The Golden Girls’ With Limited-Edition Capsule Collection
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Brooklyn-based fashion brand Zero Waste Daniel (ZWD) is marking a major milestone in pop culture history: the 40th anniversary of “The Golden Girls.” In partnership with Disney Entertainment Television, ZWD has unveiled a limited-edition capsule collection and announced a full-scale store takeover to honor the Emmy® Award-winning sitcom and its enduring legacy as a beacon of humor, friendship, and inclusivity .
The official Golden Girls x Zero Waste Daniel collection launches in-store and online on Thursday, July 31. The flagship location at 257 Varet Street in Brooklyn will be transformed into a “Golden Girls-inspired dreamscape”—part fashion destination, part fan tribute—creating an immersive experience that invites visitors to step into the world of Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia .
Daniel Silverstein, founder and creative director of ZWD, has long cited “The Golden Girls” as a formative influence. “The Golden Girls were a North Star to me growing up,” Silverstein said in a statement. “They’re funny, fearless, wildly fashionable, and they showed up for each other in ways that felt groundbreaking, teaching a lifelong lesson of what it means to be a chosen family. As a child, I felt the warmth of their love and friendship. As an adult, I can see clearly that they are trailblazers, tackling tough topics with heart and humor in ways that are poignant and still resonate today. To be entrusted with honoring their 40th anniversary is one of the greatest privileges of my career. This collection is a thank you for all the laughter, lessons and late-night cheesecake” .
The capsule collection draws inspiration from the sitcom’s iconic characters, reimagining elements of their signature style through Zero Waste Daniel’s hallmark approach: using upcycled fabrics and innovative design to eliminate textile waste. The result is a line that’s not only visually bold and playful, but also deeply committed to sustainability—a value that increasingly resonates with LGBTQ+ audiences and allies who seek to align their personal style with their ethics .
From July 31 through August 17, the ZWD flagship will serve as more than a retail space. According to Disney Entertainment Television, the in-store activation will invite fans to shop the collection in a setting transformed by Golden Girls nostalgia, offering unique photo opportunities and the chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts . The event is expected to draw LGBTQ+ visitors from around the city and beyond, reflecting the show’s multigenerational appeal and its significance within queer culture.
The partnership underscores “The Golden Girls’” ongoing resonance with LGBTQ+ audiences. The sitcom, which aired from 1985 to 1992, was groundbreaking in its depiction of chosen family, intergenerational friendship, and its willingness to tackle social issues—including storylines featuring gay and transgender characters—at a time when such representation was rare on television .
“The Golden Girls” remains one of only four sitcoms where every lead performer won an Emmy Award for their work. The series has won 11 Emmys and four Golden Globes, and continues to be celebrated for its progressive messaging and sharp wit . Its popularity endures: all seven seasons have been streamed over 1 billion hours globally on Disney+ and Hulu, and the show ranked among Nielsen’s Top 10 for six of its seven seasons .
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, “The Golden Girls” is more than just a sitcom—it’s a symbol of resilience, solidarity, and unapologetic authenticity. The show’s commitment to inclusivity, both on and off screen, made it a touchstone for queer viewers seeking stories that reflected their lives and values .
Zero Waste Daniel’s tribute, with its sustainable ethos and celebration of chosen family, aligns powerfully with these themes. By reimagining the Golden Girls’ iconic styles through upcycled materials, the collection invites fans to honor the past while embracing a future rooted in creativity, community, and care for the planet.
The Golden Girls x Zero Waste Daniel capsule collection is part of a broader 40th anniversary celebration, with additional activations including a themed wine release and a collectible brick-building set launching later this year . The immersive store experience and the limited-edition designs offer fans a unique chance to commemorate the sitcom’s legacy, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and support a queer-owned business at the forefront of sustainable fashion .
The collection is available online and at Zero Waste Daniel’s flagship location from July 31. As the world continues to celebrate “The Golden Girls” and their message of love, humor, and inclusivity, this collaboration stands as a testament to the series’ enduring impact—both in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
