The Story

My name is Dale Horton, founder and designer of Expired Citizens. Growing up, I learned to see things differently. My grandmother taught me how to sew at a young age, and what started as a skill became something much bigger over time. I found myself drawn to vintage clothing, thrifting, and the idea of taking something old and making it my own. 

I spent years digging through thrift stores and flea markets, collecting pieces that caught my eye, experimenting with fabrics, and teaching myself how to deconstruct and rebuild garments. I wasn't interested in making what everyone else was making. I wanted to create something that felt like me — something with character, history, and a point of view. 

Growing up in Eastside Phoenix has always been part of that perspective. The people, the culture, the way we dress, the way we carry ourselves, and the pride in where we come from all play a part in how I see the world and approach design. Inspiration doesn't always come from a runway. Sometimes it's right in front of you, in the places you know and the things you grew up around.

Expired Citizens became a way for me to bring all of that together. Every piece I make is an extension of my creativity, my experiences, and my constant desire to push myself further. From sourcing the materials to cutting, sewing, and putting the final garment together, I'm hands-on with every part of the process. I want each piece to feel intentional, individual, and impossible to replicate exactly.

For me, it's about respecting the past while creating something new from it. Taking what already exists, seeing what it could become, and giving it a completely different life.

I'm still learning, still experimenting, and still building. Expired Citizens is my journey as much as it is a clothing brand — a reflection of where I come from, where I'm going, and everything in between.