DSCENE Interview: Cultural Canvases of Willy Chavarria

Willy Chavarria‘s approach to design is a unique one, using rich cultural references to create luxury goods that are contemporary and innovative, often playing with traditional concepts of masculinity and femininity. Social justice and human rights also play a big part in what Chavarria brand stands for, with emphasis on believing that having an authentic opinion and using one’s platform for activism always resonates with the audience. His collections, full of queer expression and Latinx culture, are a reflection of his personal identity, yet he makes it clear that his designs are for everyone, going beyond any identity labels.

INTERVIEWS

In this exclusive interview for DSCENE Magazine with our Editor, Pavle Banovic, Willy Chavarria reflects on his path from working at Ralph Lauren in New York to establishing his own brand. He shares how his time at Ralph Lauren was an important experience, immersing him in the competitive world of a fashion megabrand and igniting his passion for designing luxury products. Willy also talks about his recent successes, including his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on a custom tracksuit for the artist’s latest music video and his recognition as the Latin American Fashion Award’s Designer of the Year.

You’ve worked for many brands, including some big names in the industry, before starting your own brand. Which experience would you say was particularly transformative or meaningful? – I’ve been able to harvest learnings from every job I have ever had. Even from One Potato Two, from where I got fired for eating too many potatoes! Working for Ralph Lauren in New York was probably my most transformational moment. I didn’t know much at all about the workings of a Fashion Megabrand, and I was thrown in with the wolves. I learned the intensity and level of competition required to survive in the industry. I also learned about designing luxury products, which I was instantly in love with.

Activism and politics play significant roles in what your brand represents. Have these elements ever hindered your success? – I am a huge proponent of having a point of view regarding human rights and social justice issues. I believe that the business benefits of having an authentic opinion are much greater than any negative fallout. Most people are good at their core. Most people want what is right for one another, and they connect with brands that aren’t timid about having a strong voice. Those are the people I sell to. We share values.

I see beauty in decay. I see beauty in struggle. I see beauty in strength. I see beauty mostly in people.

Your work is rich with cultural references. How do you ensure that your designs are not merely recreations but are innovative and contemporary? – I do love to play with familiar cultural influences, traditional forms of masculinity and femineity, and iconic silhouettes from the 1920s – the 1990s. Still, I am very aware of the modern world and what it means to push artistic creation and expression into new territories that inspire and move people emotionally. Long story short, we are the culmination of our life influences. To be a great creator is to take who we are and use it to create something that moves our soul.

Queer expression and Latinx culture are evident throughout your collections. Have these always been integral to your life? – Queer and Brown is simply what I have always been. It comes very naturally to create through that lens. But at the same time, it does not mean I am confined to that identity. I am not to be boxed into any particular identity. I design for all people. My brand welcomes all people, and I embrace anyone who has ever felt they needed to be seen or heard.

Long story short, we are the culmination of our life influences. To be a great creator is to take who we are and use it to create something that moves our soul.

Kendrick Lamar wore a custom “bad boy” tracksuit of yours in his latest music video. Could you tell us everything about this collaboration? – I love Kendrick’s artistic expression and his truthful identity. I was honored to dress him for The Big Steppers Tour. He and I have a connection with California style, coming from a place of fashion inspired by our own cultures. He wears it incredibly well. Any move Kendrick makes is thought through. Which designers he wears is as much a statement as his lyrics. There are designers who do not shy away from their own cultural identity in order to be successful and Kendrick is someone who recognizes that.

You’ve just received the Latin American Fashion Award for Designer of the Year. Congratulations! Whose recognition of your artistry means the most to you? – Gosh, I am happy to be recognized by anyone! When I see someone on the street wearing WILLY CHAVARRIA, I am so excited, and I want to hug that person and give them my phone number! Haha. It makes me feel very good. The Latin American Fashion Award for Best Designer is a very moving recognition for me because it is from my Latin community, and it feels so personal to make my people proud. The CFDA award is also a great honor. To be selected among so many other great designers and voted on by such a large panel of voters, well, it feels like quite an achievement. I’m very proud of my team and the work we do.

I am a huge proponent of having a point of view regarding human rights and social justice issues. I believe that the business benefits of having an authentic opinion are much greater than any negative fallout. Most people are good at their core.

Your brand’s motto is “Beauty only exists if we can see it.” Where do you see beauty? – I see beauty in decay. I see beauty in struggle. I see beauty in strength. I see beauty mostly in people. That is the most beautiful thing about living in New York – there is such an incredible amalgamation of people! Such individuality and such personal expression. I am not a fan of commercial beauty. It interferes with true beauty. I love a crooked nose and some fucked up teeth. I also love a stutter and the dirty streets of New York early in the morning.

It appears that your brand’s focus is constantly expanding, from streetwear to eveningwear. Are you exploring any new interests, or how do you envision its evolution? – I like the slow evolution of the WILLY CHAVARRIA brand. I want to wait for the right time to expand. I am very excited to launch our “Dirty Willy Underwear” this week—underwear that stays tattered and filthy wash after wash! I’m also excited to present the SPRING 2025 Collection next month! It’s one of my favorites and includes a big surprise!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not designing? – Chilling with my husband and dog.

Campaign credits:
Creative Director and styling: Willy Chavarria
Photographer: Diego Bendezu @diegobedezu
Photo assistants: Natalia Ormeño @noz_399
Dimitrios Poppis @dimi.pop
Brand Art Director: Jess Cuevas @jesscuevas7
Hair: Joey George @joeygeorge
Makeup: Marco Castro @marcoamazonico