On Friday, Willy Chavarria presented his SS26 show “Huron.” The show was a bold tribute to heritage and resistance.
Here’s our overall grading of Willy Chavarria SS26.
Oversized silhouettes inspired by his Latin roots are a staple for Chavarria. But this season he enlivened everything with striking color. Hot pink, teal, cherry red, and butter yellow brought new energy to the clothes. But the show started with white T-shirts made with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). A moving entrance from 35 male models who kneeled on the ground referenced the Salvadoran ICE prisons. The message was resonant and powerful without overshadowing the amazing clothes.
He debuted a full line of leather goods including handbags featuring the “W” strapping motif. For footwear, he made an ankle strap pump in collaboration with luxury footwear brand Charles Jourdan, and presented a new Adidas Originals running silhouette (the Megaride AG and Megaride AG XL), and a Superstar. The breadth of accessories showed Chavarria’s range and how his brand can grow (or how he could potentially lead a luxury fashion house).
The music was rousing and poignant. He opened the show a take on The Mamas & the Papas “California Dreamin,” before Vivir Quintana, a Mexican singer and songwriter, graced the runway, singing while strumming her guitar. Her voice cut through in a powerful way, helping underscore Chavarria’s ethos and message.
Chavarria typically opts for a church setting, but this time he went for Salle Pleyel, a concert hall. It lent itself to the collection’s message and music. The red carpeted steps at the end of the catwalk also made for impactful moments when the models would convene. He’s good at creating a world with his venues, and he achieved that this season.
While folks like James Harden, Stefon Diggs, and Omahyra Mota walked the runway, show attendees ranged from Jordan Clarkson and Miguel to ASAP Nast and 2 Chainz. It was a diverse bunch.
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