Willy Chavarria: A Designer Rooted in Community
This designer will do anything for his – CNN Style, a key media partner of Paris Fashion Week, highlights the brand’s latest collection. This year’s event showcases the work of Mexican American designer Willy Chavarria, whose achievements in the fashion world extend beyond traditional metrics of success.
Since launching his menswear line in 2015, Chavarria has cultivated a loyal following. His roster includes celebrities, and his social media presence boasts a substantial following on Instagram. Collaborations with global retailers and mainstream brands like Adidas and Zara further underscore his industry standing. Yet, his success is deeply intertwined with the people he calls his “village”—a term reflecting the community that supports him beyond mere purchases.
A Tribute to Connection
Chavarria’s Spring-Summer 2027 collection, named “Comunión,” celebrates unity. The title, derived from a Spanish word meaning togetherness, encapsulates his vision. “Comunión is a belief that we are more whole together than apart,” he explained, emphasizing the sacredness of collective beauty.
“I really spend a lot of time thinking about how people feel. Like the global mentality of the time, and what it is we want to wear and who we want to be in this moment.”
His designs often draw from Chicano heritage, reimagining styles with a fresh, modern twist. This approach has earned critical acclaim, including a Harvard Review essay by UC Santa Barbara professor Aída Hurtado, who described her emotional response to his work. The piece notes that she “cried for a day” after watching one of his shows online.
Even the town of Huron, California, where Chavarria grew up, has recognized his impact. It recently named a day in his honor, symbolizing his deep connection to roots. As the saying goes, “to have a village you must be a villager,” a sentiment Chavarria embodies naturally.
The Showroom Chaos
During preparations for his fourth Paris Fashion Week presentation, the designer and team worked tirelessly in a makeshift studio located in the 6th arrondissement. The atmosphere was a flurry of activity—adjusting models’ outfits, testing fits, and making last-minute decisions. This season, Chavarria reimagined his casting, featuring Romeo Beckham and fellow designer Bella Freud as models.
When an unexpected change occurred, Chavarria demonstrated his commitment to his supporters. A US rapper, SAINt JHN, questioned the color of his chino shorts. Without hesitation, the designer swapped them, offering his own navy cotton shorts to ensure the guest felt confident. This act exemplifies the ethos of his “Willy Boys,” a term used to describe his recurring models-turned-friends.
A Runway of Whimsy
Friday’s runway, set in the futuristic Espace Niemeyer—a venue associated with the French Communist Party—opened with a guided meditation. Guests were encouraged to relax their jaws, shoulders, and necks, releasing any tension before the show. The collection featured an array of garments, including pink leather pencil skirts, turquoise silk hot pants, and shoulder-padded sweatshirts. Recycled plastic raffia A-line skirts and caped cocktail dresses with floral stickers completed the lineup, blending functionality with artistry.
Despite his focus on menswear, Chavarria has always favored womenswear. “Womenswear has been my first preference,” he said, reflecting on his 1999 entry into the industry. Joining Ralph Lauren marked the beginning of his journey, but his menswear brand has since become a platform for storytelling and cultural resonance.
