Spotting a red Low Rider car outside the American Cathedral on Avenue George V in Paris is a rare sight, but Willy Chavarria travels big. The designer’s inaugural Men’s Paris Fashion Week show, titled “Tarantula,” included his loyal crew of models and creatives.
Singer Dorian Wood opened the show with a song performed at the church’s narthex adorned with lush red flora, fauna, and candlelight as the runway backdrop. Wood was followed by J. Balvin, who performed while walking in the show, Becky G, Tokischa, and Jerry Lorenzo, along with Paloma Elsesser, Chino Salazar, Chachi Maserati, and Yuji Rico.
The collection explored the idea of chiaroscuro, notably a tough and tender attitude, channeling a neo-baroque mood. Chavarria engaged pops of rich colors of the era, demonstrated in bright jewel-tone crushed velvets. Peppered with more women’s looks than previous outings, according to the designer, the collection was “pure Willy Chavarria with little French kisses to Paris.”
The event allowed Chavarria to express important causes and issues.
Upcycling efforts included styles sourced on eBay from the designer’s archive to create new looks. The fall 2025 unisex ‘Chuco’ suit will be sold exclusively on the platform until February 2, with 100 percent of proceeds benefitting the Wildfire Recovery Fund. A capsule with Return to Vendor was made with reclaimed fishing nets. Also on offer are tees and sweatshirts to benefit the Human Rights Campaign, with artwork from Gustavo Garcia-Villa and supported by Tinder.
The second Adidas collaboration debuted, featuring combat boot-inspired sneakers, oversized leather bombers, and silhouettes that channeled a 90s hip-hop vibe.
For the finale, Chavarria stood on the runway, flanked by the show models, while snippets of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s sermon to the U.S. President were broadcast. Backstage, the designer said he chose the Episcopalian institution for the show inspired by the bishop’s plea. “I was excited by this speech, and I think we should all recognize and enforce that message.”
