Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria presented his first Paris Fashion Week collection on Friday evening at The American Cathedral, bringing a distinctive perspective to the international fashion stage.
The Fall 2025 collection, titled "Tarantula", reflected Chavarria's personal narrative of cultural identity and social experience. Drawing from his background as the son of an Irish-American mother and Mexican-American father, the designer crafted a collection that explored themes of heritage, resistance, and representation.
The runway featured an eclectic cast that defied traditional modeling standards, including models of various ages, body types, and gender expressions. Chavarria's design approach emphasized inclusive sizing and representation, showcasing individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The collection showcased a sophisticated color palette of gold, blue, crimson, and plum, executed through high-quality Italian fabrics including silk, velvet, bouclé, and cashmere. Standout pieces included rose-adorned blazers and Western-inspired hats that blended romantic and utilitarian design elements.
A notable moment came midway through the show when Colombian musician J Balvin performed, with his partner Valentina Ferrer watching from backstage. This added a performative dimension to the fashion presentation.
Collaborative elements marked the collection, including Chavarria's second partnership with Adidas and a collection of silk scarves created with South Central Project. The eyewear line, developed with Return to Vendor, emphasized sustainable design through fully recyclable materials.
One model, recruited from a viral video of his work at a New York pizzeria, emphasized the collection's connection to real-world experiences. "It's meaningful to represent in a space where Latino representation is limited", he said.
The show notes captured the collection's essence: "When the thunder breaks, it breaks for you and me." Chavarria's Paris debut successfully translated personal narrative into a compelling fashion statement, challenging conventional runway presentations.
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Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.