Willy Chavarria Redefines 'América' During New York Fashion Week

Graphic by Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez

Homage, familiarity and excitement; that is what encapsulates Willy Chavarria’s highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2025 collection that debuted Friday night for New York Fashion Week. 

Willy Chavarria, Mexican-American founder and designer of the namesake brand, has constantly brought new concepts to the fashion industry. Yet, those same ideas are easily familiar and recognizable to those in the Latino/a community. 

The show, titled “América,” took place in a Wall Street warehouse with familiar faces such as actress Tracee Ellis Ross and fashion designer Michael Kors awaiting the new collection. Guests were provided with tequila and copies of the United States Constitution, issued by the ACLU.

At the beginning of the show, Mexican trio Yahritza y su Esencia, dressed in Chavarria, were accompanied by Mariachis suited up in traditional charro attire. The six musicians played a cover of the classic Juan Gabriel song “Querida” while an American flag stood out behind them. 

After the incredible performance, the room contrasts darkness and light and classical music begins to play.

The show begins with models walking down the runway of the warehouse. Black, khaki and white are mostly in workwear silhouettes and fabrics, those similar to mechanic, janitor and plumber uniforms.

Chavarria classics such as baggy pants, aviator glasses and sharp collars are familiar to many who are fans of his work. Yet, a wave of dark and bright colors contrasts the solemn feeling shown throughout the model’s facial expressions, which is a refreshing sight to behold.

Business casual, tank tops, jerseys, moto jackets, bandanas, cowboy hats and floor-length sheer gowns make the viewer question why these garments are combined. Yet, that is the purpose of the show.

In arguably one of the most important elections in our lifetime, Chavarria highlights how those who reside in the United States are individualistic and bring a unique perspective to the country, especially those who are heavily disenfranchised in a time when our country’s future is unknown.

During the show, new products under the Chavarria brand made their debut like shoulder bags and baseball caps.

After a sea of models walks down, the room turns pitch-black, the American flag is the main attraction and heavy breathing begins to play. The breathing continues, the room is now red and a moaning takes over the room.

Suddenly, more models make their way down the catwalk. “Chicano” sweatshirts, outfits donning the colors of the Mexican flag and sportswear with a Chavarria touch are taking over. What could it possibly be?

SURPRISE! It’s a Willy Chavarria x Adidas collaboration! The classic Willy silhouettes are adapted into a sportswear atmosphere that is accompanied by an Adidas touch. Jerseys, sweatsuits and sneakers will be a hot commodity, especially after the U.S. election.

Bodysuits with high shoulders, ultra-baggy sweatpants with three stripes and colorful ruffled blouses are, to say the least; breathtaking.

American track and field athlete Noah Lyles made his runway debut at the show while wearing a monochrome white-and-blue outfit that consisted of a headband, shorts, an armband, knee-high socks and shoes.

As Lyles closed the show, Chavarria walked down the runway, along with the models, while wearing an ACLU-branded shirt. Guests left with “Willy Says Vote” stickers, clearly indicating the designer’s purpose for the collection.

Chavarria has never failed to amaze the masses and this collection is a true testament. He knows that America is not just a country, but it’s an idea that can be molded in any way possible. He wants the Latino/a community to have a space in the fashion industry and always executes it flawlessly.