WORDS RACHEL EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY MAYA WANELIK SPECIAL THANKS AXE AND SAW
In the same year I discovered veganism, I discovered polyamory. It was ten years ago and I was living with a girl at university who followed a strict vegan diet and I was convinced that she was about to keel over at any moment. At the same time I was reading a book called 'The Ethical Slut' for my sociology course - a handbook that claimed that the happiest relationship type was the 'non monogamous lesbian relationship'.
Since then, veganism has become generally accepted, in London at least. Cafes now include vegan options and if you go to a dinner party, the menu is often plant based just in case. Relationships that fall outside of tradition, however, still hold a lot more stigma. The Disney fairytale idea of love is hard to shake because it upholds the link between capitalism and the patriarchy (everyone's favourite marriage!) so deviating from this is seen as a threat to the whole system.
But things are changing. According to dating app Feeld, 24% of Millennials and 27% of Gen X's preferred relationship type is ethical non-monogamy. This isn't to say that monogamous relationships are inferior in any way, but rather that there needs to be an acceptance of the broad spectrum of relationships that exist, both romantically and platonically. To celebrate this multitude of relationships, Feeld have introduced a 'Constellation' feature, allowing users to build - and display - their network of connections. Communication and transparency is key for any relationship and this feature encourages people to be upfront and clear about their relationship status and what they're looking for, without any shame.
F Word had the chance to experience a Valentines dinner hosted by Feeld, in conjunction with jewellery designer Milko Boyarov. Milko's designs are inspired by the viscosity of liquids, mimicking the fluidity of modern relationships and dating. At the end of the dinner each guest was gifted five rings to celebrate Feeld's constellation feature and to offer a new type of 'engagement ring' (or rings) that reflects modern dating. Following the dinner, we caught up with Nyomi Warren, lead brand designer at Feeld, to speak about the future of love, and how Feeld is leading the march in terms of dating apps.
Rachel Edwards:What makes Feeld different from other dating apps?
Nyomi Warren: Feeld’s unique focus is on the never ending journey—not the destination. We believe there is always more to discover about ourselves; often through others. This is why the communities on Feeld are masters of open, honest communication. Because when no answer is perceived as “wrong,” we’re more free to speak our truth without fear of judgement. Cultivating this truly special space where freedom of expression is celebrated and rewarded.
R.E: What’s the future of love and relationships?
N.W: The future of love and relationships is for us each individually to define. Love exists in many forms, none of which are more valuable than the other. We all have the autonomy to co-design relationships that work for us.
R.E: Tell me about the new feature on Feeld?
N.W: Constellation, is an evolution of our original differentiator: the ability to pair your profile with a partner and date together, or separately—both options affording potential connections with more understanding of your personhood. Now, with Constellation, we offer the ability to pair your profile with not 1, but up to 5 partners with 15+ ways to DTR. With this offering we aspire to continue building an experience as rich as our lives.
R.E: What does your role involve within Feeld?
N.W: At Feeld, I am the Brand Design Lead, meaning I am a steward of brand both strategically and visually. I work closely with my peers to build meaningful, beautiful experiences on and offline.
R.E: What's your favourite thing about your job?
N.W: My favourite thing about working at Feeld is being able to experience the impact of our brand. Speaking with Members, as a Member I constantly discover something new. For instance, at our Valentine’s dinner, one of our Members surfaced the unique and seemingly contradictory expression of Open Marriage. Even a historically monogamous relationship can take on new forms. We’re all our own architects in both life and love.
R.E: Finish this sentence - Love is...
N.W: Tough one, but… love is multidimensional. We can each define what love means for ourselves and in our relationships.
R.E: What's one thing that people aren't talking about enough when it comes to dating?
N.W: Uncertainty is not to be feared, but rather embraced. When we lead with curiosity and conversation rather than a set outcome or expectation, we can rediscover the joy in the journey. By honouring the complexity of our lives and the lives we intersect, we create more potential for meaningful connections.
