In a contemporary landscape where twenty-somethings are all on their own individualised paths, so are their intentions with dates, hook-ups, love, and everything in-between. There is perhaps no brand that knows this better than Tinder, arguably the most popular dating app in the world. Joining forces with London-based designer Chet Lo, the two unveil The Lovestruck Collection, a capsule collection of graphic tees and accessories that capture the essence of human connection in the modern day. Uniting over a shared focus on authenticity, they dive into themes of self discovery, sexuality, and romance, reflecting the highs and lows of the experiences of today’s young singles.

The pieces range from t-shirts to tanks and hats, and feature cheeky sayings alongside Chet’s iconic spike pattern and individualised stylistic codes. We had the honour of hearing from the designer himself about the collaboration and what the collection means on a grander scale.

See some photos from the launch party, by Rosanna Elettra…

Read the interview…

Congratulations on the launch of The Lovestruck Collection! How are you feeling?
Thank you so much! It’s been a labour of love, but I’m so happy it’s now out there and that people can connect with the designs and the messages behind them. The collaboration with Tinder has been such a great experience, and I’m genuinely excited about the positive impact it’s having.
 
How did you first get connected with Tinder? What excited you about working together?
When I designed my SS24 collection, it was all focused on love and on the difficulties of societal pressures for queer POCs, and the fetishization we face. With this collection, I wanted to showcase the positives that can come from dating – whether that’s love, or simply self-exploration or making new friends. You can really learn a thing or two about yourself when dating. So, when Tinder reached out to me, I was thrilled. Through this collaboration, I get to reach such a broad and diverse demographic. Dating is such an emotive thing, so I love that I get to connect with so many people over our shared experiences. 
 
What was the research and design process like? What did you want to say through the capsule? Is there a piece that’s your favourite?
The research and design process for The Lovestruck Collection was incredibly meaningful to me as I delved into themes of love, self-expression, and authenticity. Each piece in the capsule tells a story, and collectively, they convey the idea that dating can be a powerful journey of self-discovery and connection. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but if I had to choose, I’d say the “Chaotic” vest. It’s very me. I also got to have a lot of fun – the slogans were just hilarious to work with, so it was fun.

With themes of human connection, authenticity, and self-expression, Tinder champions similar ideas as your label. Had you previously considered the connections between dating and fashion, and how have you seen these two worlds blend?
Absolutely, the connection between dating and fashion has always intrigued me. Both are forms of self-expression, and they share a common thread of authenticity. The Lovestruck Collection merges these worlds by incorporating slogans inspired by real dating experiences and infusing them into fashion pieces. It’s a celebration of human connection and a reflection of personal identity.

A percentage of sales go to AKT — can you speak a bit about the charity and how you came to work with them?
As a queer POC designer, I think what AKT does is so beautiful and unfortunately so necessary. I am so blessed that when I came out, my parents were supportive of me, but for so many others, that isn’t the case unfortunately. Every young person deserves support and a roof over their head so for that I am so grateful that the AKT exists. When the Tinder team shared the charity with me and outlined its ambitions, it was a really natural and easy choice to work with them.