A New Vision for Fashion and Performance
Willy Chavarria had just six weeks to organize his most ambitious show to date. In January 2026, the designer bypassed the traditional runway format, opting instead for a musical-style presentation for his fall 2026 menswear collection in Paris. Held at the Dojo de Paris, the event transformed the space into a Manhattan crosswalk, where 2,000 guests witnessed over 100 looks categorized into three distinct acts: faith, hope, and wisdom. The collection featured everything from sleek tailoring and elaborate gowns to adidas collaborations and the utilitarian basics of his Big Willy line.
The production was elevated by a powerhouse lineup of musical talent, including Mon Laferte, Lunay, Mahmood, Feid, Latin Mafia, and Santos Bravos. Reflecting on the intense preparation, Chavarria admits, “I don’t even know how I did it.”
Courtesy of Willy ChavarriaThe Intersection of Culture and Spectacle
Chavarria’s rise in the French capital has been marked by a commitment to spectacle that challenges the status quo of high fashion. Since his 2025 debut, which featured a low-rider in an homage to Chicano culture, he has consistently used his platform to comment on social issues, including immigration. His goal is to merge music and fashion on a global scale, with a specific focus on amplifying Latin voices.
“I wanted to do a banger that blew everyone else out of the water,” Chavarria says of his January showcase. By collaborating with production company Iconoclast and choreographer Damien Jalet, he successfully treated the runway as a stage for musical expression. His creative journey, he notes, has always been guided by his roots and his discovery of house music during his time in San Francisco.
My entire creative journey has been guided by music.
As he looks toward the future, Chavarria is focused on expanding his brand into a creative collective that encompasses film, music, and philanthropy. “I want to blow the big brands out of the water and make a statement,” he says. “I want to go big. I want to be the Mexican Ralph Lauren.”
