Willy Chavarria stands at the crossroads of luxury and streetwear, a designer who knows how to speak directly to today’s cultural pulse. As senior vice president of design at Calvin Klein and the creative mind behind his own eponymous label, Chavarria’s work merges bold aesthetics with unflinching social commentary. From his runway shows to his retail collaborations, he’s made a career of challenging norms, confronting issues of race, identity, and sexuality through the medium of fashion.
Born in Fresno, California, Chavarria grew up far from the fashion capitals of the world. His upbringing in a working-class, immigrant community has profoundly shaped his vision—a vision that’s uniquely American but cut with the urgency of lived experience. He moved to San Francisco in his twenties, studying graphic design while working at Joe Boxer, an early step that would lead him to New York City, where he spent time at Ralph Lauren and then American Eagle Outfitters as design director.
In 2015, Chavarria launched his namesake label, embracing a raw take on menswear that was less about seasons and trends and more about storytelling. His collections have consistently aimed to put a human face on the cultural and political issues of the moment. From oversized silhouettes that evoke the streets to casting that celebrates the diversity of modern America, Chavarria’s presentations are as much about inclusivity as they are about design. In 2021, he took on his role at Calvin Klein, pushing the brand’s aesthetic into new territory while staying true to his roots.
Chavarria’s influence is growing, but it’s not just about the clothes—it’s about the message. His 2022 CFDA Award nomination for Menswear Designer of the Year was a nod to the impact he’s had, not just as a designer but as a cultural voice. For Chavarria, fashion isn’t just an industry—it’s a platform, a means of inspiring change and a reflection of where we are now.
