Willy Chavarria Spring/Summer 2026 Runway Show: A Cinematic Ode to Resistance & Identity
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By PAGE Editor
Willy Chavarria’s Spring/Summer 2026 runway show, titled HURON, was a powerful fusion of fashion and activism, held on Friday, June 27th, 2025, at Paris’ historic Salle Pleyel. The presentation drew a star-studded audience, including Amelia Gray, Paloma Elsesser, Becky G, Lunay, RaiNao, Sevdaliza, James Harden, Stefon Diggs, Diamond Platnumz, Benito Skinner, Mia Khalifa, Tony Effe, Miguel, 2 Chainz, Jordan Clarkson, Destin Conrad, Veneda Carter, Ryan Castro, and Adekunle Gold.
The show opened with a striking statement—thirty-five men in white t-shirts created in collaboration with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). This moment served as a direct commentary on the dehumanization of immigrants in U.S. detention centers, particularly referencing the unjust conditions in Salvadoran prisons. The t-shirts’ labels carried a bold message: “THE ACLU DARES TO CREATE A MORE PERFECT UNION—BEYOND ONE PERSON, PARTY, OR SIDE. With immigrant rights, trans justice, reproductive freedom, and more at risk, we're in courts and communities across the country to protect everyone's rights—and we need you with us.” Chavarria, a longtime ACLU ally, reinforced his belief that luxury should not symbolize exclusivity but rather truth and character. “I’m not interested in luxury as a symbol of privilege,” he said. “I’m interested in luxury as a symbol of truth in one’s own character. Exquisite tailoring and craftsmanship worn to elevate one’s personal intent—that’s power. That’s fashion.”
The HURON collection was deeply personal, reflecting Chavarria’s journey from his childhood in Huron, California, to his rise as a globally recognized designer. It blended his roots with influences from New York and Paris, creating a cinematic narrative of resilience and identity. The collection redefined color as rebellion, with bold hues like Chicle, Papaya, Red Hot, Bourdin Blue, Butter, Uniform Green, Concrete, and Masa serving as defiant statements rather than mere decoration. Silhouettes played with nostalgia while challenging traditional notions of belonging in high fashion. Women’s empowerment was a key theme, with Head of Design Rebeca Mendoza contributing sharp tailoring, trench dresses, and pencil skirts inspired by the films of Pedro Almodóvar and Wong Kar-wai.
A major highlight of SS26 was the debut of Chavarria’s first full accessories collection, anchored by the signature “W” strapping detail. The lineup included bolero bags, oversized clutches, W totes, and small leather goods, crafted from premium Italian leathers in rich hues like Red Hot, Chicle, Uniform Green, Bourdin Blue, and Butter. Tailoring took center stage, with the “Chilango” silhouette for men—a relaxed yet impeccably finished shape—and the sharply fitted “Nuevo Staple” blazer for women, featuring a cinched waist and strong shoulders. Leather was reimagined as a year-round staple, with standout pieces like the Bad Boy leather pants, Chuco blazer, and Chavela two-piece sets.
Collaborations played a pivotal role in the collection. The third installment of the adidas Originals x Willy Chavarria partnership introduced cotton-based uniform dressing and bold footwear, including the futuristic Megaride AG and Megaride AG XL running shoes, as well as the Chavarria Superstar. Another landmark moment was the unveiling of the Charles Jourdan x Willy Chavarria collaboration, a dream project for the designer. The collection reimagined archival Charles Jourdan silhouettes through Chavarria’s bold, humanistic lens, earning praise from Groupe Royer CEO Jacques Royer for its potential to revive the brand’s century-long legacy.
Sustainability remained a core value, with partnerships emphasizing ethical craftsmanship. Chavarria worked with APICCAPS and Mariano Shoes for Portuguese-made footwear, while Return to Vender (RTV) provided eyewear and swim trunks made from reclaimed fishing nets. Worldnet ensured the collection’s seamless transport from New York to Paris as the official logistics partner.
Ultimately, the SS26 show was a testament to fashion’s power as a force for change. By celebrating unity, immigrant resilience, and unapologetic self-expression, Chavarria reinforced his belief that true luxury lies in authenticity. The collection was not just about clothing—it was about identity, resistance, and the stories we choose to wear.
Click to see more from the runway.
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