Willy Chavarria Takes Paris by Storm with Star-Studded 10th Anniversary Show

Willy Chavarria made a bold debut at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, celebrating his brand’s 10th anniversary with an unforgettable coed showcase featuring live performances by J Balvin and Dorian Wood. The runway was graced by an impressive lineup of models, including Becky G, rapper Tokischa, and reggaeton star Ozuna, alongside Chavarria’s long-time muses.

The American Cathedral in Paris served as a dramatic backdrop for the event, where guests were welcomed by a vintage lowrider — a striking red Chevy Impala — that cruised the streets distributing exclusive merchandise from Chavarria’s collaboration with Adidas Originals. The show was one of the most anticipated highlights of Paris Men’s Fashion Week.

Fresh off his recognition as CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year and Designer of the Year at the Latin American Fashion Awards, Chavarria remains focused on his goal of leading a top fashion house. His latest collection encapsulated his brand’s core aesthetics with confidence and emotion.

Signature broad-shouldered suits took center stage in dark satins, checked flannels, and crushed velvet in rich jewel tones. Paying homage to Parisian style, Chavarria incorporated bouclé jackets adorned with gold buttons, while much of the collection honored his Mexican American roots through elevated workwear jackets, oversized flannel shirts, and chinos crafted in luxurious fabrics. T-shirt graphics reflected themes of community and identity.

Though unisex pieces like opera jackets with dramatic full backs made an appearance, the womenswear offerings leaned towards figure-hugging silhouettes. This shift reflects the recent appointment of Rebeca Mendoza—formerly with Calvin Klein and Mark Cross—as head of design.

Models, including Paloma Elsesser, Indya Moore, and Honey Dijon, channeled the iconic Pachuca women’s subculture of the 1940s with bouffant hairstyles and thin arched eyebrows. They strutted down the runway in hourglass bustier tops, washed denim or leather pencil skirts, and a striking red T-shirt bodysuit emblazoned with the word “Diablo.”

Chavarria’s personal touch was evident in his closing statement, taking his bow in a T-shirt that read “How we love is who we are,” a collaboration with Tinder supporting the Human Rights Campaign and LGBTQIA+ rights. The soundtrack featured an excerpt from Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s powerful sermon during President Donald Trump’s inauguration, calling for compassion for immigrants and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Reflecting on his inspiration, Chavarria shared, “Hearing the bishop’s words moved me to tears. It was important to bring that message to this sacred space and to stand together in unity, strength, and positivity.”

Looking to expand his reach, Chavarria plans to make his brand more accessible to a wider audience. While elevating his luxury offerings by shifting much of his tailoring to Italy, he is also introducing lower-priced T-shirts and expanding his Adidas collaboration for the fall season.

In a nod to sustainability, the show incorporated archival pieces sourced from eBay. Additionally, an olive velvet suit from the collection will be auctioned to benefit the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund, aiding fire recovery efforts in Los Angeles.

With a show that blended personal storytelling and cultural tribute, Chavarria made a powerful impression on the Paris fashion scene. He rounded out his Paris debut with store appearances over the weekend, engaging with fans and sharing his ambition: “I want to take over Paris and sell a lot of stuff,” he said with a playful grin.