Tinder’s new initiative encourages singles to transform emotionally significant clothing from past relationships into fresh fashion, promoting self-discovery and renewal.
Tinder has launched a new initiative called the ExCycle program, in collaboration with designer Sami Miró, aimed at helping singles explore their past relationships through the lens of fashion. The program officially debuted on Saturday in New York City and has quickly caught the attention of the fashion and dating worlds alike.
Devin Colleran, Tinder’s head of brand, explained the underlying philosophy of ExCycle, stating, “At Tinder, we’re all about redefining connection and exploring possibilities… Since two-thirds of Americans are still holding onto something from an ex, we saw an opportunity to turn old baggage into fresh beginnings.” The program promotes the idea that while breakups can be challenging, they can also serve as an opportunity for self-discovery and renewal.
The ExCycle initiative encourages participants to upcycle clothing items that hold emotional significance from previous relationships. Sami Miró, known for her unique upcycled fashion designs, guided singles through the process. She explained that she began by interviewing participants to better understand their personal styles and preferences. “It’s all about upcycling something from somebody’s past relationships and turning it into something new that reflects who they are or want to be entering this new chapter of dating,” she said.
Miró expressed her enthusiasm for the project, referring to it as “genius” and a concept that “everybody can resonate with.” She noted the excitement of creating custom pieces for “the cool kids of New York,” enjoying the collaborative environment with “real amazing, talented, creative people.”
The program’s foundation is built on the concept of upcycling, which Miró defined as “taking something preexisting and turning it into something better.” This could range from simple alterations to a garment, like cropping a T-shirt, to complex creations involving multiple items. Miró mentioned her passion for reimagining clothing, noting, “I do this literally every single day, whether I’m going to the office or out at night.”
The public was also invited to participate in ExCycle through a three-hour open event at New York’s Tumbao. Attendees were encouraged to bring garments to exchange, partake in personalized styling sessions, and engage with customization stations. During the event, guests reflected on their past relationships while considering how to transform old items into new creations.
Reflecting on the community response, Miró reported, “The feedback has been so positive. Everybody has something in their possession that either belonged to their ex or that they wore on their first date with an ex — something that really has such a strong emotional connection to a previous partner that is sitting there, and the emotional gas from the item is just like bubbling up around in your closet.” This sentiment underscores the program’s aim of encouraging individuals to let go of the past while fostering meaningful connections in the present.
Source: Noah Wire Services
