If you missed the buzz from his last fashion week, Willy Chavarria has been redefining the New York fashion scene with his groundbreaking commitment to inclusivity and bold runway statements on social issues since launching his namesake label in 2015. It’s no surprise he’s earned the CFDA’s American Menswear Designer of the Year award two years in a row.
As the fashion industry evolves, Willy Chavarria stands at the forefront, redefining its landscape with his unique vision and commitment to empowerment and equity.The Mexican American designer, raised in the small city of Huron in California’s San Joaquin Valley, carries the spirit of the Mexican working class—deeply rooted in his ethos, shaped by his parents’ mixed Mexican and Irish heritage.
Chavarria believes that identity inevitably shapes who we are and how we navigate the world, regardless of our profession.
Raised in a predominantly Mexican American community of immigrants, Willy Chavarria developed a deep awareness of racial politics early on, especially given that his parents met after desegregation. This perspective shaped both his life and career, driving him to share that consciousness through his work. From the moment he launched his own label, he made it a priority to champion equality and highlight Latino empowerment in every aspect of his designs
In today’s world, the path of a fashion designer often seems incredibly fast-paced, thanks to the many social platforms at their fingertips. However, for Chavarria, 57, (yes, I know, I can't believe it either) his journey has been anything but rushed. It is his gradual, steady rise, shaped by his life experiences and time spent in the industry, that has made him such a compelling and significant figure in American fashion.
The designer explained that one of the reasons he accepted the honor of representing other Latino individuals was his passion for sharing a broader vision of Latinidad. He expressed a desire to help people see beyond stereotypes and understand the depth and richness of the Latino community.
Chavarria shared that it is a pivotal moment for the Latino community to be recognized, noting the significant impact Latinos have on art, fashion, music, and culture. He emphasized that both the industry and consumers need to acknowledge the influence Latinos have on what people wear, eat, and listen to.
He also pointed out that since 2020, many opportunities have opened up for Latino designers, signaling progress. However, he believes there is still much work to be done, particularly within the top levels of corporations. He stressed the need for more doors to be opened for Latino designers and for greater opportunities to be created for communities, particularly Black and brown, who often lack access to education or clear paths to success in the fashion industry.