This Designer Will Do Anything for His Village
Editor’s Note
Sandego.net – CNN Style serves as an official media partner for Paris Fashion Week. Explore the full coverage here. Fashion designer Willy Chavarria has carved a notable niche in the industry, achieving milestones that often define success in the world of style: a roster of high-profile celebrity clients, a strong social media presence with over half a million Instagram followers, collaborations with international retailers, and partnerships with prominent brands like Adidas, Zara, and the recent tease of a collaboration with Ugg. Yet, beyond the accolades and commerce, Chavarria has built something more intimate—a collective of individuals who support him not just through purchases, but through unwavering loyalty and shared passion.
Since launching his menswear label in 2015, the Mexican-American designer has cultivated a close-knit group of models, including Shaid Anaya, a construction worker by trade who frequently pauses his duties to walk his runway shows. This season marked a shift as Chavarria introduced Romeo Beckham, a familiar face from their Fall-Winter 2027 collaboration, and invited Bella Freud, a fellow designer, to join the front row. The brand’s designs, often rooted in a tribute to Chicano aesthetics, have transcended fashion circles to influence broader cultural conversations. Aída Hurtado, a UC Santa Barbara professor, penned an essay for the Harvard Review of Latin America, detailing the profound emotional resonance of his work. She recalled being so moved by a past show that she “cried for a day,” a testament to the brand’s impact on both personal and collective levels.
Chavarria’s dedication to his community is evident in the way he operates. For his fourth season at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, the designer returned to the city, where his makeshift studio in the 6th arrondissement became a hub of creativity. In the days leading up to the event, his team was busy refining details, and the designer himself was constantly in motion. The studio, a space of collaboration and camaraderie, felt more like a family gathering than a fashion office. As we prepared for our interview, Chavarria’s attention to the needs of others took precedence: a model’s garment required adjustments, and a VIP’s outfit was carefully selected by him personally. The atmosphere was alive with interactions—greetings, photographs, and embraces that underscored the warmth of his creative environment.
One of the standout moments during our conversation was when US rapper SAINt JHN expressed a concern about his cream-colored chino shorts. “Might something in a darker shade work better?” he asked, prompting Chavarria to act swiftly. Without hesitation, the designer removed his own navy cotton shorts and handed them over, leaving himself in an oversized shirt and underwear. This gesture epitomized the ethos of his “Willy Boys,” the term his team uses to describe the models who have become friends and ambassadors for his brand. For these individuals, Chavarria’s willingness to share his resources—whether clothing or time—was a natural extension of his commitment to their well-being.
The Meaning Behind “Comunión”
Chavarria’s Spring-Summer 2027 collection, titled “Comunión,” reflects a deep philosophical concept. The Spanish word, which translates to “communion,” symbolizes the unity of people, both in secular and spiritual contexts. “Comunión is the idea that we are more complete together than alone,” he explained in his studio, now back in his shorts. “It’s about the sacredness of individual beauty and the holiness of a group gathered in harmony.” This perspective is woven into every piece of the collection, which blends whimsy with intention. The designs, he noted, are a response to the current global mood, aiming to evoke a sense of connection and self-expression through fashion.
The Paris runway, held at the modernist Espace Niemeyer—a sleek venue once serving as the French Communist Party’s headquarters—began with a unique touch. A guided meditation was offered to attendees, encouraging them to relax their jaws, shoulders, and necks while releasing any lingering stress. This pre-show ritual set a tone of mindfulness, which contrasted with the vibrant energy of the upcoming collection. Models strutted down the catwalk in a parade of eye-catching outfits: pink leather pencil skirts, silky turquoise hot pants, and shoulder-padded sweatshirts that exuded both comfort and flair. Recycled plastic raffia was repurposed into A-line skirts and dresses, their shredded textures adding an unexpected visual element. Caped cocktail dresses, adorned with floral appliqués, gleamed with a plasticky sheen reminiscent of stickers, creating a whimsical yet sophisticated aesthetic.
Chavarria’s work has not gone unnoticed. As a CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year in 2023 and 2024, he has been celebrated for his ability to redefine menswear. However, he remains grounded in his roots. “Womenswear has always been my first love,” he admitted, reflecting on his entry into the male fashion sphere. His journey began in 1999 when he joined Ralph Lauren as an intern, a role that sparked his interest in designing for men. “I fell into it,” he said, “but it’s been a rewarding path ever since.” Despite his growing fame, Chavarria’s connection to his community remains central. The town of Huron, California, where he was raised, even honored him by naming a day after his brand, a gesture that highlights the mutual respect between the designer and the people who have supported him throughout his career.
As the fashion world continues to evolve, Chavarria’s approach offers a refreshing perspective. His designs are not just garments but vessels of identity and shared experience. Whether it’s the choice of models, the personal touch in every detail, or the deeper meaning behind his collections, the designer’s work is a celebration of community and connection. In a time where individualism often takes center stage, Chavarria’s philosophy reminds us that true success lies in the bonds we nurture and the collective joy we create. His fourth season at Paris Fashion Week was more than a showcase—it was a reaffirmation of the values that have guided his journey from the start.
For those who have been part of his circle, Chavarria’s dedication is unyielding. He sees his models not just as faces of the brand, but as friends and partners in a shared vision. This dynamic has allowed his designs to resonate on a personal level, bridging the gap between fashion and cultural significance. As the show concluded and the applause echoed through the Espace Niemeyer, it was clear that Chavarria’s work has found a home in the hearts of his supporters, proving that a designer’s true measure of success is the community they build—and the love they give back in return.
