The fashion visionary teamed up with Tinder and the Human Rights Campaign to champion LGBTQ+ rights at his Paris Fashion Week debut…
New York-based designer Willy Chavarria, a recent winner of the CFDA’s Menswear Designer of the Year Award, brought his fall/winter 2025 collection to Paris Fashion Week for the first time, to mark the tenth anniversary of his eponymous label. Shown in the baroque setting of the American Cathedral, his sculpted, reworked tailoring once again took inspiration from his Mexican-American background. Towards the end of the highly-anticipated collection, the queer designer boldly unveiled a sweatshirt on the runway that is intended to stand in solidarity against the growing wave of anti-equality legislation worldwide. Chavarria’s sweatshirt, in Old English font, reads: “How we love is who we are.”
The fashion visionary joined forces with Tinder and the Human Rights Campaign to spotlight and lift the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. The limited-edition sweatshirt serves as a striking symbol of resistance to the more than 570 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced globally in the past year.
“Fashion has always been a reaction of the cultural and political climate, and it has the power to challenge norms, start conversations, and inspire change,” said Chavarria. “Together with Tinder and the Human Rights Campaign, we’re using the Paris Fashion Week platform to make a statement on a global stage that ignites 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.”
According to Chavarria, all proceeds from the exclusive “How we love is who we are” sweatshirt will go directly to the HRC.
“Fashion and queer culture have always been closely intertwined—and this partnership leverages our collective power at such a critical time,” said Kelley Robinson, Human Rights Campaign President. “We are so grateful to designer Willy Chavarria and Tinder for creating this partnership to uplift and support the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community is strong, resilient and beautiful—we will continue to fight for equality and liberation together and with our allies.”

According to Tinder, over 20% of new users identify as queer so this partnership with Chavarria was a no-brainer.
“LGBTQ+ rights are human rights,” said Melissa Hobley, Tinder’s Chief Marketing Officer. “With over 20% of new Tinder users identifying as queer, Tinder is proud to foster an inclusive space where everyone can show up as their authentic selves. This partnership celebrates icons like Willy, who inspire us by standing for so much, and reinforces our mission to break down barriers and create a world where connection and authenticity are celebrated without limits.”
The sweatshirt, priced at $200 USD, instantly sold out. In just two days, Chavarria and Tinder’s partnership flew off the shelves it barely sat on. But, rumours have it the sweatshirt will be available for purchase on WillyChavarria.com once again…while supplies last, of course.
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