WHAT IT IS?
After the challenges of the virus, the necessity of human connection has become very apparent. For this reason luxury fashion brand ‘Valentino’ has decided to host a cocktail party in their Soho store and launch a creative card game: ‘We’re Not Really Strangers’.
The game features 25 cards with questions designed to foster intimacy through a series of evocative and personal questions with Valentino’s logo. Koreen Odiney, who is the creator, launched the game in November of 2018, and it quickly gained a cult following. Each card focuses on a deep, thought-provoking question, encouraging the participants to reclaim and engage in an eye-opening, honest conversation.
WHY IT´S COOL?
‘We’re Not Really Strangers’ (WNRS) has been created to focus on connection, empowering others, social sensitivity and positivity to develop a meaningful dialogue where people feel welcome in a fun and authentic way. Through the game, people can break the ice in every situation and begin building relationships. Essentially, it is a reminder to take time to connect with another person. Humans, as social creatures, will always desire and look out for connections. A quote from its creator: “The game is intended to reflect the shared values of both brands, Valentino and WRNS: empathy, individuality, and positivity.”
The game cherishes people’s emotional intelligence in a way that is both creative and unpretentious. At the cocktail party, surrounded by Valentino’s latest collection, guests drank champagne and sipped on classic cocktails specially customized for the occasion. A tequila on the rocks becomes a “Missed Connection” and a vodka martini becomes a “Hello Stranger.”
WHY IT HAS FUTURE POTENTIAL?
During the pandemic, when so many of us were isolated, ‘We’re Not Really Strangers’ became explosively popular. The official Instagram of ‘We’re Not Really Strangers’ has grown with over 4 million followers, more than 3 million on TikTok and a text-subscription audience of more than 1.2 million people.
The business opportunity lies in using the card game at special hospitality events to bring people closer and create bonds in human relationships. ‘We’re Not Really Strangers’ uses the fundamental power of conversation to build a community in which huge brands can play their emotional intelligence part. In the last few years, we have seen the emergence of a new kind of brand culture, with an emphasis on deeper and more meaningful connections between humans. This is what makes ‘We’re Not Really Strangers’ magnificently Cool to so many people around the world.
For further information on We’re Not Really Strangers x Valentino please visit:
https://hypebeast.com/2021/1/valentino-were-not-really-strangers-card-game
Carl Rohde
Rahim Ennassiri
Elie Daccache
Junior Mokoma
Cornelia Natasha
Aya Mheidly
sherrelies isabella
Suzana Piazza
Anyway, I hope Valetino’s and other luxury brands keep going work on human connection from now. We’re living a very delicated moment in the world, so initiatives like this are really necessary.