When you walk into a Willy Chavarria show, you’re not just seeing clothes – you’re witnessing a manifesto. The Mexican-American designer, known for his unapologetically powerful vision, stands at the forefront of redefining what American fashion can be. Chavarria, whose work sits at the intersection of art, social justice, and community, sees fashion as a medium for both representation and resistance.
From California’s Fields to New York’s Runways
Born and raised in the agricultural heart of California’s Central Valley, Chavarria’s journey into the fashion world started far from the New York runways he now commands. His upbringing as a first-generation Mexican-American shaped not just his aesthetic but his mission – one that embraces the power of community and holds a mirror to the people whose stories are often left untold in luxury fashion. His designs are rooted in the narrative of migrant laborers, Chicano culture, and the marginalized communities of America. For Chavarria, creating is an act of empowerment.
“I was tired of seeing a certain narrative perpetuated about who gets to be in fashion and who doesn’t,” he said in an interview. He makes garments that challenge convention while also elevating street culture into the luxury space without compromise. It’s this ability to merge high-concept ideas with everyday inspirations that defines his aesthetic – an aesthetic best described as bold, human, and inherently political.
Spring/Summer 2025: Blurring Boundaries
The Spring/Summer 2025 collection revealed a significant evolution in Chavarria’s storytelling, taking cues from Chicano gang culture, filtered through his deeply nuanced, tailored hand. Wide-legged trousers, boxy silhouettes, and graphic details were paired with elements like lace and fitted blazers, blurring the lines between masculinity and softness. The collection captured a moment of reflection – a meditation on community strength and vulnerability, an idea he finds essential today.
More Than Just Fashion
What really sets Chavarria apart isn’t just his ability to design – it’s his instinct to use his platform, including his own brand Willy Chavarria, for something bigger. He’s collaborated with everyone from the iconic American fashion brand Calvin Klein, where he was previously Senior Vice President of Design, to emerging creatives from marginalized backgrounds. He ensures his studio is a space where cultural diversity isn’t just celebrated but is fundamental to the creative process. His latest collection featured models of all body types, sexual orientations, and ethnicities, reflecting his belief that fashion should make people feel seen and validated.
In October 2024, Chavarria was honored with the American Menswear Designer of the Year award at the CFDA Fashion Awards, marking his second consecutive win in this category. This recognition underscores his significant impact on the fashion industry, particularly in redefining American menswear through his unique blend of cultural narratives and social commentary.
Radical Empathy at the Core
In a landscape often dominated by exclusivity, Chavarria’s voice rises above as a call for radical empathy. “Fashion should be about taking care of each other,” he explained when discussing his latest collection. His approach is not about tokenism, nor is it a trend chase – it’s an ethos. His casting choices and his clothes reflect this intention, creating spaces for people to be powerful, vulnerable, and everything in between.
The influence of his Mexican-American heritage is evident in his designs and upbringing in California’s Central Valley. His collections often reflect the experiences of marginalized communities, bringing their stories to the forefront of high fashion. By integrating elements of Chicano culture and the aesthetics of migrant laborers, he challenges traditional fashion norms and promotes inclusivity.
Fashion as a Vehicle for Change
Chavarria’s work isn’t just about fashion; it’s about culture, identity, and the power of representation. He is one of those rare designers who doesn’t just make clothes but makes statements, delivering a message with each collection. His journey is a reminder that fashion can be a force for change, pushing beyond aesthetics into the realm of real social impact. With every garment, Willy Chavarria is reclaiming and redefining American fashion – and he’s inviting everyone along for the ride.
