Willy Chavarria
Willy Chavarria is an American designer label launched in 2015 by the designer of the same name. It is known for oversized silhouettes, sharp tailoring and menswear that engages with race, politics and sexuality.
| Launched | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Willy Chavarria |
| Awards | CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year 2023, 2024 |
| Paris debut | January 2025 |
| Website | willychavarria.com |
What is Willy Chavarria?
Willy Chavarria is an American designer label launched in 2015 by the designer of the same name. It is known for oversized silhouettes, sharp tailoring and menswear that engages with race, politics and sexuality. Chavarria was born in Huron, California, to an Irish-American mother and a Mexican-American father.
History
Chavarria studied graphic design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and began his career at Joe Boxer, moving from the shipping department into design. He later worked at Voler and on Ralph Lauren's RLX cycling line. In 2010 he co-founded Palmer Trading Company, a menswear store in New York, before launching his own label. He also served as Senior Vice President of Design at Calvin Klein until 2024.
He was named CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year in 2023 and 2024, and made his Paris Fashion Week debut in January 2025 with the Fall/Winter 2025 collection "Tarantula", shown at the American Cathedral in Paris.
Products and positioning
- Menswear built on tailoring and oversized proportions
- Bags and footwear
- A collaboration with adidas that debuted at the Spring/Summer 2025 show
- Use of sustainable materials and made-to-order production
Shows typically cast mostly models of colour and serve as platforms for political statements.
Distribution
The label has been carried by retailers including Dover Street Market and Browns.
Why it matters
With back-to-back CFDA menswear awards and a move to the Paris schedule, Willy Chavarria has become one of the most visible American menswear labels internationally.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Willy Chavarria?
Willy Chavarria is an American designer from Huron, California, who launched his eponymous label in 2015 and was previously Senior Vice President of Design at Calvin Klein.
Where does Willy Chavarria show?
The label made its Paris Fashion Week debut in January 2025 with the Fall/Winter 2025 collection.