WILLY CHAVARRIA FW25

Willy Chavarria made a powerful Paris Fashion Week debut with his latest collection, TARANTULA, drawing inspiration from This Mortal Coil’s haunting 1986 classic. The collection speaks to the misunderstood beauty that, when forced, will defend itself—a theme deeply embedded in Chavarria’s design ethos.

The runway show took place at the American Cathedral in Paris, a setting that underscored Chavarria’s deep reverence for Chicano and Hispano-American culture, which he consistently celebrates through fashion.

Marking the 10th anniversary of his brand, stepping onto the global stage in Paris felt like the perfect tribute to a decade of innovation, dedication, and boundary-pushing design.

The collection itself stayed true to Willy’s signature aesthetic, featuring oversized silhouettes, wide lapels, elevated workwear, and undeniable nods to West Coast street style. Functional accessories—bold eyewear, sleek handbags—demonstrated market appeal, while stylistic elements like keychains and Vaquero hats reinforced the brand’s distinctive identity.

A highlight of the collection was the capsule of graphic tees and hoodies designed in collaboration with Kendrick Lamar for the Super Bowl, alongside a poignant partnership with Tinder and the Human Rights Campaign. The phrase “How We Love Is Who We Are” emblazoned across select pieces further cemented Chavarria’s commitment to social activism through fashion.

As always, Willy infused sensuality into his designs, but what sets him apart is his ability to provoke with restraint. This season, the most striking looks weren’t the most revealing but rather the dramatic velvet suits that shimmered under the dim cathedral lights, showcasing the precision and innovation in tailoring that defines his craftsmanship.

As the show reached its climax, the atmosphere shifted—red light flooded the room, introducing looks from Chavarria’s ongoing collaboration with Adidas. Reimagined vintage sportswear pieces from the 1980s—bomber jackets, boxing shorts, and the debut of the Chavarria Forum Boot—brought an electrifying energy to the finale.

In a moving conclusion, Willy joined his models in prayer as Bishop Mariann Budde’s powerful eulogy echoed through the cathedral. Directed at Trump, her words called for mercy and amplified the struggles of marginalized communities—an urgent message in today’s political landscape, where those very communities remain in the crosshairs of rising authoritarianism.

(Watch the full show below)