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Willy Chavarria delivers one of the best shows of the Fashion Week
On Friday 27th of June 2025, Willy Chavarria unveiled a Spring/Summer 2026 collection marked by a powerful act of protest. Throwback to a magnificent collection that opened new perspectives on contemporary luxury.
By Léa Zetlaoui.
Published on June 28, 2025. Updated on July 2, 2025.
Willy Chavarria, a committed fashion designer
It is a sad reality, but the timing couldn’t have been better. On June 27th, 2025, American designer Willy Chavarria took over the Salle Pleyel for his new Spring/Summer 2026 collection, marked by a powerful act of protest.
A powerful act of protest
The show opened with thirty-five models kneeling down on the runway, each wearing a white T-shirt created in collaboration with the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). A striking image, echoing the prisons in El Salvador, where people are incarcerated without due process.
Meanwhile, just a few hundred kilometers away, Jeff Bezos was celebrating his wedding to American TV host Lauren Sánchez in Venice. As a close associate of Trump, the billionaire and founder of Amazon remains a divisive figure. While the elites have a feast, political realities mirror their violence. It’s worth noting that the latest immigration decrees issued by the highly controversial U.S. president have put entire families into harrowing hardship.
“As immigrant and trans rights, reproductive freedom, and more are threatened, we are taking action in courtrooms and communities to defend everyone’s rights. And we need you,” Willy Chavarria explains in the notes of his collection. There is little need to explain why the 2025 ANDAM finalist has been showing his collections in Paris for the past two seasons.
A return to political fashion
In a luxury industry that has become increasingly disengaged, Willy Chavarria stands out as the unlikely herald of a new wave. He continues: “I’m not interested in luxury as a symbol of privilege. I’m interested in luxury as a symbol of truth in one’s own character. Exquisite tailoring and craftsmanship worn to elevate one’s personal intent. That’s power. That’s fashion.”
A message all the more powerful since it is paired with a beautiful collection. Paris Fashion Week can consider itself fortunate to count him among its talents. For some seasons now, runway shows that achieve genuine moments of communion have become increasingly rare.
Vivir Quintana sings for Willy Chavarria
After a stunning rendition of California Dreamin’ by Puerto Rican singer José Feliciano, it was Vivir Quintana‘s turn. The Mexican singer delivered a soulful performance as the models walked the runway.
The Spring/Summer 2026 inspirations
Having worked with Ralph Lauren before joining Calvin Klein, Willy Chavarria is a product of classic American fashion. And yet, his collections are deeply personal and reflect his Mexican heritage. For instance, his silhouettes offer a couture vision of the Chicano culture.
His childhood in Huron
Drawing on his childhood in Huron, Willy Chavarria taps into a rich creative well, shaped by resilience and self-affirmation. His unmistakably personal aesthetic fuses the rural, agricultural California where he grew up with New York streetwear and Parisian couture.
Here, each look reads as a glorification of identity. Just like his first Parisian show celebrating the 10th anniversary of his brand, Willy Chavarria has an iron fist in a velvet glove and conveys his message through joy and celebration.
The cinema of Pedro Almodóvar and Wong Kar-wai
Another compelling aspect of Willy Chavarria’s shows is their cinematic approach. Wearing outrageously elegant creations, the models stride down the runway with a dramatic flair. Regarding menswear, Chilango-inspired silhouettes become casual suits, whose cuts are inspired by Mexican culture.
As for women, the cuts of the dresses and suits are sharp with defined waists, strong shoulders, and tailored sleeves. The womenswear was designed in collaboration with Rebeca Mendoza, the brand’s design director.
The most striking feature of this Spring/Summer 2026 collection is the use of colour as an act of rebellion. Vivid and electric, these colours channel characters that are powerful and untamed. They are reminiscent of the figures in the films by directors Pedro Almodóvar and Wong Kar-wai.
An inclusive casting
On June 20th, 2025, a few days before the show, the brand launched an open casting call to complete its lineup of professional models. The only requirements: being 5.10 ft and having an attitude aligned with the label’s bold, politicized stance.
But that wasn’t all. Alongside models like Paloma Elsesser, Amelia Gray, and America González, the show also featured singers Sevdaliza and Becky G, as well as American football player Stefon Diggs.
And to greet the audience, Willy Chavarria appeared on the catwalk alongside Farida Khelfa and top model Omahyra Mota, whose unmistakable presence had been sorely missed on the runways.
A third collaboration with Adidas Originals
To the delight of his ever-growing community, Willy Chavarria also unveiled his third collaboration with Adidas Originals. Cotton tracksuits available in pink, sky blue, beige, white, and black brought a fresh, vintage, streetwear vibe.
In addition to a logo that merges the Adidas Originals flower with Willy Chavarria’s W, the collection includes two new sneaker designs. First, a brand-new radical running silhouette, the Megaride AG and Megaride AG XL. Then, a personalized version of the iconic Superstar, dubbed the Chavarria Superstar.
The looks from the Willy Chavarria Spring/Summer 2026 show
