Willy Chavarria and Tinder join forces to defend LGBTQ+ rights at PFW

Together with the Human Rights Campaign, the designer and the dating app have joined forces to prove that fashion does not exist solely for aesthetics – but rather as a tool to challenge standards and thereby promote inclusion. Together, they conceived a campaign in defense of LGBTQ+ rights, bringing to the runway pieces with the message: “How We Love Is Who We Are”.

The sweatshirt worn on the runway by Chavarria himself was a manifesto against the more than 570 anti-LGBTQ+ bills presented in various countries over the past year. The highlighted piece carries not only a symbolic aesthetic but a global message of the cause, which seeks equality for all. Part of the profits benefits the Fire Recovery Fund of the California Community Foundation.

“Fashion has always been a reflection of the cultural and political climate. It has the power to challenge norms, spark conversations, and inspire change. We are using the platform of Paris Fashion Week to make a statement on a global stage that evokes a call to action and amplifies the affirmation of identity. This campaign is about embracing who we are and celebrating love in all its forms.”

Consequently, in contribution to the campaign, artist Gustavo Garcia-Villa was invited to create pieces inspired by intimacy and human connection. The collection was showcased in Paris and is available on Chavarria's website.

Moreover, campaigns like this do not demonstrate actions for aimless activism, but instead reinforce the role of large platforms and their responsibility regarding the fight for equality.