This designer will do anything for his village

This Designer Will Do Anything for His Village

This designer will do anything for his – CNN Style, a key media partner of Paris Fashion Week, brings attention to the creative force behind the spotlight this season. Among the designers making waves, Willy Chavarria stands out not just for his work on the runway, but for the unique way he connects with his audience. With a thriving client list that includes celebrities, a robust social media presence, and partnerships with global retailers, Chavarria has surpassed standard benchmarks in the fashion industry. Yet, his greatest achievement may lie in the community he’s built—a collective of individuals who support him beyond mere consumption of his designs.

The Village Concept

Since launching his menswear brand in 2015, Chavarria has cultivated a close-knit group of models who are more than just faces for his shows. Shaid Anaya, for instance, has become a familiar presence, frequently stepping out in front of the camera while balancing his duties as a construction worker. This season, the designer introduced Romeo Beckham to his lineup after their collaboration in the Fall-Winter 2027 collection. Chavarria also enlisted Bella Freud, a fellow designer and close friend, to walk the show. These individuals are not just models—they are part of a deeper network, a “village” that embodies his philosophy of unity and shared identity.

Chavarria’s designs often draw inspiration from Chicano culture, reinterpreting its elements with a modern twist. His work has earned recognition beyond fashion circles, even making its way into academic discourse. Aída Hurtado, a professor at UC Santa Barbara, wrote an essay in the Harvard Review of Latin America that highlights the emotional resonance of his creations. She described the moment she first saw one of his shows online as an experience that left her “crying for a day.” Such acclaim underscores the cultural significance of his collections, which blend heritage with contemporary flair.

A Tribute to Community

Chavarria’s Spring-Summer 2027 collection, titled “Comunión,” reflects his commitment to collective celebration. The word, which translates to both a secular gathering and a religious communion, encapsulates his belief in the power of unity. “Comunión is a belief that we are more whole together than apart,” he explained in the show notes. “It’s about the sacredness of individual beauty and the holiness of many coming together.” This theme resonates deeply with his audience, particularly those he refers to as the “Willy Boys”—his recurring models who have grown into personal friends.

The idea of a village is not just metaphorical for Chavarria. It’s tangible, visible, and deeply embedded in his creative process. During Paris Fashion Week, his team operated from a makeshift studio in the 6th arrondissement, where the pace was relentless. The environment buzzed with activity, from adjusting garments to selecting outfits for VIP guests. Chavarria himself was often found immersed in these tasks, his dedication to his community evident in every detail. This hands-on approach has made him a fixture in the fashion world, even as he continues to prioritize the people behind his work.

A Unique Vision

Chavarria’s journey in fashion began in 1999 when he joined Ralph Lauren, marking his entry into the industry. Though he initially gravitated toward womenswear, his career took a turn as he explored menswear. “I fell into designing for men,” he said, reflecting on the shift. “It wasn’t my first preference, but it became a natural evolution.” His work for men has since become a cornerstone of his identity, blending cultural narratives with avant-garde aesthetics.

During the days leading up to his latest show, Chavarria’s studio in Paris was a hub of creativity and collaboration. The atmosphere was charged with energy, as every corner of the space seemed to hum with the rhythm of preparation. One moment during our interview revealed his unwavering commitment to his team: when US rapper SAINt JHN expressed concern over the color of his cream chino shorts, Chavarria immediately offered his own navy cotton cut-offs. “Might something in a darker color work better?” the guest asked. In a spontaneous gesture, Chavarria swapped his shorts for the rapper’s, leaving himself in an oversized shirt and underwear—a testament to his willingness to put others first.

This level of personal involvement is a hallmark of his approach. Whether it’s adjusting a model’s outfit or lending his own clothing, Chavarria ensures his team feels supported. “If you’re one of the Willy Boys,” he said, “you can count on me to give you the shirt off my back—or the shorts off my thighs, apparently.” Such gestures highlight the camaraderie he fosters, turning his brand into a living, breathing entity that thrives on connection.

The Runway Experience

Friday’s show at the modernist Espace Niemeyer, the headquarters of the French Communist Party, was a masterclass in blending art and culture. The event began with a guided meditation, designed to calm the frazzled guests and ease the tension of the day. Show participants were instructed to release negative thoughts and relax their physical tension, setting the tone for a collection that emphasized harmony and joy.

The runway itself was a visual feast, featuring a range of pieces that showcased Chavarria’s signature style. From ice-cream-colored outfits to sleek pencil skirts in pink leather, the designs were both playful and sophisticated. The collection included pink hot pants paired with shoulder-padded sweatshirts, as well as A-line skirts and dresses crafted from recycled plastic raffia. These garments, while striking in their presentation, also carried a message of sustainability and innovation. “The global mentality of the time,” Chavarria mused, “is what we want to wear and who we want to be in this moment.”

Even the accessories were thoughtfully curated, with caped cocktail dresses adorned with floral appliqués that, up close, resembled stickers. This attention to detail and emotional depth has earned Chavarria recognition as CFDA’s Menswear Designer of the Year for 2023 and 2024. His ability to merge cultural heritage with modern sensibilities continues to captivate both fashion insiders and casual observers, proving that his influence extends far beyond the runway.

As the designer prepares for the next chapter, his focus remains on the people who make his work possible. Whether it’s through his collaborations, his community-driven ethos, or his dedication to cultural storytelling, Chavarria’s vision is clear: fashion is not just about aesthetics, but about creating shared experiences that resonate deeply. His village, after all, is the heart of his craft—and it’s growing stronger with every season.