Willy Chavarria’s Paris Debut: Fashion, Fire, and a Whole Lot of Revenge for F/W25


Willy Chavarria’s FW25 Paris Fashion Week debut? Oh, just a casual revolution. Held at the American Cathedral—because why not make fashion history in a sacred, Gothic setting in the first American church outside of the US of A. — the show was a little less “runway” and a lot more “fashion manifesto.” Chavarria’s collection wasn’t just about clothes; it was a rallying cry for dignity, resilience, and the kind of inclusivity that could make any other runway show feel utterly irrelevant.

The clothes? Oh, just some no-big-deal soul-stirring garments: broad-shouldered suits that screamed “quiet authority,” cashmere coats that wrapped their wearers in powerful strength (and maybe a bit of delusion), and buttery leather jackets that made defiance look cosy. This wasn’t just fashion; this was masculinity redefined, with a touch of soft rebellion—because who says you can’t be tender and bold at the same time?

And then, there was the casting. It’s almost as if Chavarria looked at the world and said, “Let’s throw the casting rulebook out the window.” Street-cast faces alongside runway royalty like Paloma Elsesser and Lineisy Montero—because why should you have to pick between the coolest new faces and the ones who’ve been around the block a few times? Meanwhile, J Balvin went from guest to model to performer faster than you could say “multi-hyphenate,” and Honey Dijon? She walked the runway, then spun the decks at the after-party like it was no big deal.

Oh, and just when you thought the show couldn’t get any more dramatic, enter the Bishop. That’s right, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, delivering an impassioned plea for mercy for trans people and immigrants. Because if you’re not making a political statement with your runway show in 2025, what are you even doing?

As if that wasn’t enough of a flex, Chavarria decided to buy back his designs via eBay for the show. Vintage? Check. Sustainable? Double-check. How many designers can say they sourced archival pieces from their past collections and still made it look like they invented fashion itself? Chavarria is that designer. The pieces? A black padded raincoat and some chinos from seasons past. Were they worth the eBay hunt? You bet. The man’s vintage obsession comes full circle, proving once again that no one does nostalgia (and sustainability) quite like Willy.

Oh, and just in case you missed it: Chavarria’s Tarantula collection (named after a song, because why not make your fashion collection sound like an indie band’s latest hit?) included all the classics: double-breasted blazers, bomber jackets, and velvet suiting that made you wonder if this was a runway show or an ultra-luxurious pyjama party. Modelled by J Balvin, Honey Dijon, and Becky G, of course—because who else could make velvet look that fierce?

And as if we weren’t all on the edge of our seats already, Chavarria’s second Adidas collab hit the runway, featuring a green velvet suit that was already sold out on eBay (all proceeds go to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund—because Willy is both fashionable and charitable).

So, after 25 years of quietly being the underdog of fashion, Chavarria has finally taken his well-earned spot at the top. The message? Fashion isn’t just about looking good—it’s about standing for something, breaking the mould, and maybe making some people uncomfortable in the process. Cheers to that, Willy.

Words by Lewis Robert Cameron
@lrcfashionstylist

Creative Director @willychavarrianewyork
Photography @lucatombolini
Art Director @jesscuevas7
Stylist @mr_carlos_nazario
Hair @paulhanlonhair
Make up @yad1m @maccosmetics
Nails @danielsmedeman
Casting #brentchua
Footwear @adidasoriginals
Production @bureaubetak
Pr @purplepr @lucienpages