Willy Chavarria: When Fashion Becomes a Message of Resistance

A Fresh Vision for Creativity in Turbulent Times

In the Made in America issue published in August 2025 by Wallpaper magazine, deep questions were raised about the relationship between creativity and society during challenging periods. Within this context, fashion designer Willy Chavarria shared his unique perspective on the role of fashion in confronting social and political challenges.

Linking Design to the Political Climate

Willy Chavarria explains that his team begins work on every collection by carefully reading the political and social landscape. He and his team constantly ask themselves: What does the world look like today? What is happening around us? And how can we respond through design?

Once this vision becomes clear, the team starts gathering ideas, images, and visual materials that capture the spirit of the moment.

Inspiration from Symbols of Resistance

For example, in the Fall/Winter 2025 collection showcased in Paris, the influence of the civil rights movement was evident. Willy and his team drew inspiration from images of strong, inspiring figures from both past and present, such as Sinéad O’Connor and Indya Moore. These names were not just icons of beauty; they also embodied courage in standing up to authority and speaking the truth.

In this way, these images served as a reminder that design can be a tool for resistance and for keeping memories alive.

A Push to Break the Stagnation

Willy Chavarria’s journey reflects his constant pursuit of shaking up fashion’s old guard and rethinking the role of fashion as a tool for expression and protest. Through this approach, creative work transforms into a social act that carries a message extending far beyond the runway or the stage.

Creative Challenges Amid Crisis

In 2024, Willy Chavarria describes how America went through a particularly difficult and dark time, which directly impacted the atmosphere within his team. He points out that some days were so heavy that the team turned into something like a support group, helping each other cope with the weight and intensity of unfolding events.

Collaborating with Civil Rights Organizations

While these challenges persisted, Willy and his team realized that design alone was not enough. So they sought to collaborate with specialized civil rights organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Building these partnerships enabled the team to connect creative work with issues of rights and freedoms in a practical and organized way.

Art as a Tool for Impact

Willy emphasizes that the idea is not limited to designing clothes alone; rather, it extends to telling stories that truly touch people and make them think. He believes that art, fashion, and music are powerful tools to deliver social and political messages in a smooth and compelling way. While people may easily ignore direct slogans or repetitive news, a piece of art or a fashion show can reach their emotions and open a door to reflection.

Symbolic Spaces and Casting Choices

A striking example of this approach is the show that took place at the American Church in Paris. The choice of venue was no coincidence — Willy wanted to break the traditional image of the church as an institution that historically excluded certain groups, and instead reintroduce it as a space welcoming everyone without discrimination.

His team cast models directly from the street, alongside members of the crew who usually work behind the scenes, bringing them to the front of the show itself. Several well-known friends, including J Balvin, Indya Moore, Honey Dijon, and Kai-Isaiah Jamal, also joined to amplify the message and broaden its reach.

A Symbolic Message at the Show’s Finale

In his Autumn/Winter 2025 show held inside the American Church in Paris, Willy Chavarria chose to close with a deeply moving moment. He used a sermon by Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, in which she called on the sitting U.S. president to “show mercy” toward immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. This symbolic choice added a layer of humanity and a clear social message, especially since the sermon was broadcast during the same week as the presidential inauguration.

Art as an Emotional Catalyst

This moment highlights how Willy Chavarria uses art to deliver messages that might not resonate as powerfully through traditional channels. The show was so moving that even the rehearsals brought many of the models to tears, underscoring how a single artistic moment can stir the emotions of both participants and the audience alike.

Critique of Fashion’s Old Guard

While Willy pushes for new forms of expression, he notes that the fashion industry remains stuck in the grip of its old guard. In his view, many within the industry have been entrenched for so long that they can no longer break free from traditional methods or see beyond their closed circles.

Focusing on American Identity and Overlooked Influence

Despite the continuous evolution of his style, Willy maintains a strong connection between his collections and the American aesthetic. At the same time, he seeks to reinterpret this identity from a fresh perspective — shedding light on the deep influence of Black and brown communities in shaping American fashion standards, a legacy that has long gone unrecognized.

Toward a Global Human Message

Finally, Willy explains that moving his shows to Paris, despite his brand’s distinct American DNA, was a step toward delivering a message that transcends borders. It is a human message that speaks to people everywhere, proving that fashion can become a bridge for connection and influence far beyond elite circles.

“America” on Wall Street: A Message at the Heart of New York

In Spring/Summer 2025, Willy Chavarria presented a show titled “America” right in the heart of Wall Street, New York City. This was far more than a visual spectacle — it carried a strong social dimension through collaboration with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), reflecting Chavarria’s commitment to blending art with human rights advocacy.

Hope for Change Amid Challenges

Willy openly admits that what gives him hope for the future is his determination to create real impact within the fashion industry. He believes that the path to change begins from within — by working with organizations that allow him to share and expand his philosophy. Building these partnerships gives him the space to amplify his influence.

Breaking the Closed Circle of the Old Guard

Despite his efforts for change, Willy points out that the world of fashion remains confined by old methods dominated by longstanding names unable — or unwilling — to see beyond their familiar circles. In his view, they repeat the same outdated strategies without genuine renewal.

Room to Transform the Industry

Yet, Willy insists that there is still room to rewrite the rules. He plans to be part of this transformation by presenting new models that link creativity with human issues — giving fashion a purpose that goes beyond the runway and consumerism.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Despite the obstacles posed by fashion’s old guard, Willy firmly believes there is real space to transform the industry. For him, fashion is not just a spectacle for the runway — it is an ongoing project that connects design with human values and opens the door to a continuous conversation about the true role of fashion today.

What Willy Chavarria offers is a reminder that fashion can be far more than a beautiful garment or a fleeting trend. It can become a space that carries broader meaning — a space that asks questions, provokes thought, and gives new voice to the margins.

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