STORY BEHIND THE STYLE - WILLY CHAVARRIA
"Everything we do, whether we want it to be or not, is political"
ROOTS AND UPBRINGING
Raised in Huron, a small rural town shaped by Mexican immigrant communities working in agricultural fields, Willy’s upbringing deeply informed his perspective on fashion and the messages he shares through his platform. Growing up in this environment had a lasting impact on how he views social structure, identity, and representation within the industry.
With a Mexican father and an Irish mother who married in the 1950s as an interracial couple, Willy was raised with a strong awareness of social injustice and cultural resilience. He carries the core principles of his heritage and upbringing into his design and production ethos, consistently reflecting them in his work.
CAREER EVOLUTION
Willy studied Graphic Design in San Francisco before beginning his career at Joe Boxer, where he worked his way up to become a designer. He was later hired by Ralph Lauren to work on the RLX sport line, a role that prepared him for high-end fashion and exposed him to elevated craftsmanship and construction.
He then took on a position at American Eagle as a designer, where he focused on creating quality, commercially viable garments. Wanting to pursue more personal and expressive work, he opened a store in SoHo called Palmer Trading Company. The space specialized in an Americana aesthetic, offering furniture, accessories, and apparel.
As the store gained traction and attention, he expanded his vision and launched his namesake label in 2015. The store functioned as his entire production hub—from designing garments to casting models. During this time, he was also working at Calvin Klein as Senior Vice President of Design, a role he held until 2024.
CULTURAL AND POLITICAL EXPRESSION
Drawing from his upbringing within a community of Mexican immigrants, Willy uses his platform to shed light on social injustices and amplify individual stories, emphasizing the importance of black, brown and queer groups in America.
Through his design choices, he reinterprets the uniform of farm workers, incorporating tailored elements and impactful graphics that pay tribute to his faith and heritage. Every design decision reflects his values, extending into his branding and marketing strategies.
His casting choices challenge traditional high-fashion norms. He scouts minority individuals who may not fit the conventional modeling standard and invites them to walk in his shows. This approach creates visibility for those who might not otherwise have access to such spaces, further reinforcing his commitment to representation.
SOCIAL IMPACT IN COLLECTIONS
HURON – SS26: Willy Chavarria’s Paris show opened with models kneeling in oversized whites, referencing immigrant detention, and featured a collection celebrating heritage, resilience, and community. Guests received invitations styled as immigration letters declaring a “Notice of Right to Exist.”
SS25 – América: Presented by Willy Chavarria, this Spring/Summer 2025 collection served as a powerful tribute to immigrant workers and the communities that shape the United States. Rooted in themes of resilience, dignity, and unity, América reimagined everyday workwear, canvas trousers, uniform shirts, caps, and bold graphic tees, through elevated tailoring and refined construction.
SS19 – Willy Chavarria focused on solidarity and brotherhood within marginalized communities, using oversized tailoring and intentional casting to emphasize visibility, pride, and collective strength.
FW18 – Believers: Chavarria’s Fall/Winter 2018 collection explored resilience, faith, and religious identity, blending utilitarian silhouettes with symbolic details to celebrate strength and dignity in marginalized communities.
RECOGNITION AND INFLUENCE
In 2023 and 2024, Willy won Menswear Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He was also named Latin American Fashion Designer of the Year in 2023 and 2025.
He has collaborated with Adidas and Don Julio, and has dressed artists including Madonna, Sam Smith, Bad Bunny, and Becky G.
