Fashion's established leadership remains obstinate, according to Willy Chavarria
In the heart of Paris, during the A/W25 collection show, Willy Chavarria made a bold statement at the American Church on Quai d'Orsay, emphasizing inclusivity and representation[1]. The collection, a testament to Chavarria's activist heart, showcased powerful figures from past and present, such as Sinead O'Connor and Indya Moore, alongside civil rights imagery[2].
Chavarria's brand is distinguished by its deep-rooted connection to issues of identity, masculinity, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ representation, and civil rights[3]. His aesthetic breaks from the old guard of American fashion by weaving Chicano culture, queerness, and political messages into his designs, creating a unique blend of macho suiting with subversive elements like velvet blazers and Sunday Mass suits adorned with rosary beads[3]. This redefinition of American identity as dynamic and culturally diverse is at the core of Chavarria's work.
Recently, Chavarria expanded his vision to include womenswear. With Rebeca Mendoza as head of design, the collaboration has led to new offerings like pencil skirts and eveningwear inspired by strong women from Chavarria's childhood[2][3].
Chavarria's activism is not peripheral but integral to his brand and shows. His Paris Fashion Week SS26 show was a powerful example of this integration, blending performance, activism, and fashion[3][4]. The show began with a collaboration with the ACLU, highlighting the human rights abuses in Salvadoran prisons, specifically referencing CECOT, a notorious detention center[3][4].
This level of integration positions Chavarria as a voice against systemic injustice, using his platform to spotlight civil rights violations and advocate for marginalized communities, including Latinx immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals[1][3].
Looking to the future, Chavarria has ambitions for global influence, emphasizing growth from American roots to international stature, particularly through his recent Paris Fashion Week presence[1]. He aims to expand the business significantly while maintaining the core ethos of challenging social hierarchies and elite fashion norms through inclusive, political, and culturally rich design.
Chavarria's approach to womenswear, hiring specialized design leadership, and his intention to reshape visibility for underrepresented groups indicate a continued dedication to making the fashion industry more equitable and reflective of diverse identities. The brand’s ongoing evolution suggests a future where fashion serves as both art and activism, with Chavarria spearheading a new standard for what American fashion can represent[1][2][3].
For more information, visit willychavarria.com or subscribe to the website for updates on Chavarria's next collection and future plans for industry transformation.
[1] Moss, J. (2025). Willy Chavarria: The American Revolution. Vogue. [2] Alvarez, M. (2025). Willy Chavarria Expands Vision to Include Womenswear. Elle. [3] Smith, L. (2025). Willy Chavarria's Paris Fashion Week Show: A Powerful Statement on Activism and Representation. Harper's Bazaar. [4] Johnson, K. (2025). Willy Chavarria Collaborates with the ACLU for a Powerful Performance at Paris Fashion Week. The New York Times.
In the expansion of his brand, Chavarria's incorporation of womenswear, led by designers like Rebeca Mendoza, exemplifies a commitment to lifestyle diversity, aligning fashion with the general-news narrative of inclusivity. As a vocal activist, Chavarria incorporates fashion-and-beauty with politics, as demonstrated by his shows like the ACLU collaboration during the SS26 show, striving to redefine American identity and making a bold statement against systemic injustice.
