Designer Willy Chavarria chose his style for the 2026 runway shows to represent culture, identity, and the communities that inspire his work. His collections are strongly influenced by Mexican-American and Chicano culture, which can be seen in oversized suits, workwear pieces, and streetwear silhouettes. These styles are inspired by clothing worn in working-class communities, but Chavarria elevates them into luxury fashion by using high-quality tailoring and bold colors. By bringing these cultural influences to the runway at Paris Fashion Week, he highlights the importance of representation and diversity in the fashion industry.
Another reason Chavarria chose this style was to communicate social and political messages through fashion. His 2026 show included powerful storytelling and visual symbolism to draw attention to issues such as immigrant rights and cultural identity. The runway presentation featured dramatic staging, music, and models wearing designs that blended tailored suits with sportswear and street fashion. Chavarria has said he is interested in fashion as a symbol of “truth in one’s own character,” meaning clothing should express identity and empowerment rather than just wealth or status. Through his designs, he uses fashion as a platform to represent marginalized communities and speak about real-world issues.
Complex. (2025). Best moments from Paris Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer 2026.
Paper Magazine. (2025). The biggest shows from Paris Men’s Fashion Week.
Hypebeast. (2025). Willy Chavarria’s SS26 collection embodies resistance and refined truth.
