In a period of vast mistrust, misrepresentation, and governmental mishandlings, art and fashion as a whole has the power to foster a collective identity of human empowerment. With the rise of injustice and dehumanization in a country that prides itself on freedom for all, Willy Chavarria rises above the world of luxury fashion to use his platform as a means of communication and allyship. Debuting last Friday at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, the Spring/Summer 2026 Runway Show, dubbed “Huron” after Chavarria’s hometown, represented more than just clothing—it was a testament to the Mexican American designer’s journey, a reflection on strength and the state of humanity, and a moment that redefines the relationship between fashion and justice.

“I’m not interested in luxury as a symbol of privilege. I’m interested in luxury as a symbol of truth in one’s own character," says Chavarria. "Exquisite tailoring and craftsmanship worn to elevate one’s personal intent—that’s power. That’s fashion.”

The show opened with 35 men in white t-shirts made in partnership with the ACLU, the premier defender of Constitutional rights in the United States. The performers knelt in a line, hands clasped behind their backs. The powerful and symbolic opening called to attention the current dehumanization of immigrants in America—a reference to the Salvadoran prisons where people are profiled and persecuted without due process. This gut-wrenching demonstration comes as no surprise, as Chavarria has always been a stalwart supporter of the ACLU. In witness to this powerful statement was Amelia Gray, Becky G, Benito Skinner, Mia Khalifa, and 2 Chainz, among others.

A manifestation of identity, resilience, and self-expression wrapped into one glorious celebration, Chavarria’s collection is both bold and intentional. With refined tailoring and high-quality, Italian-milled fabrics, each rebelliously colored look is a narrative in itself that honors immigrant expression and craftsmanship. With key shades like Chicle, Papaya, Red Hot, Bourdin Blue, Butter, Uniform Green, Concrete, Masa, traditional ideals of fashion are challenged with a bright boldness that proves decoration is defiant. This subversive take of color reexamines the privilege of belonging in an era where exclusion is unjustly enforced.

The core silhouettes are repeated in a variety of colors and textures that create a sense of clarity and emotional resonance, with veterano shirts, dresses, and shorts and nine crinkled cottons woven with Inox—a technique that preserves their lived-in look. This collection introduces the “Chilango” men’s silhouette—relaxedand soft in shape—and the Nuevo Staple blazer for women—sharply fitted with a cinched waist, strong shoulders, and slim sleeves.

Female empowerment graces the runway in symbolic expression, with trench dresses, pencil skirts, and suits created with the brand’s Head of Design, Rebeca Mendoza, and inspired by the works of Pedro Almodóvar and Wong Kar-Wai. The collection also marks Chavarria’s debut of a complete accessories line containing the “W” motif across a range of leather goods including bolero bags, oversized clutches, W totes, and small leather goods. Each of these pieces are no less premier, crafted with Italian leathers in distressed luxe calf, shiny chocolate eel, smooth grain calf, and glazed finishes.

The new adidas Originals x WILLY CHAVARRIA collaboration also introduces cotton-based uniform dressing paired with a footwear collection that blends the worlds of high fashion and global street culture—further solidifying Chavarria’s vision of social consciousness and identity expression. For the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, two new running models, Megaride AG and Megaride AG XL, are introduced alongside the Chavarria Superstar.

French luxury footwear house Charles Jourdan also launched their first collaboration with Willy Chavarria. With shoes crafted for the women who move through the world with power and grace, beauty becomes a statement of strength. Return to Vendor is also collaborating with Chavarria on the eyewear and swim trunks presented in the SS26 show. Underscoring Chavarria’s commitment to sustainability and made from reclaimed fishing nets and featuring a full range of performance upgrades, each piece is both fully recyclable and proves a durability that eliminates the need for new material.

Chavarria’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection marks a shift in the relationship between fashion and politics—posing the ultimate question: what does fashion mean in a world of uncertainty?