Willy Chavarria’s AW25 Paris Fashion Week debut was nothing short of a manifesto – an audacious, soul-stirring statement on dignity, resilience and the fight for representation. Set against the solemn beauty of the American Cathedral, the show blurred the line between fashion and activism, delivering a powerful message through garments that spoke volumes. Broad-shouldered suits conveyed quiet authority, sweeping cashmere coats cocooned their wearers in strength and pride, while buttery leather jackets and languid trousers balanced defiance with softness. This was masculinity redefined – at once tender, unapologetically bold and fiercely proud.
But the collection was only part of the story. Chavarria’s casting was a testament to his vision of inclusivity, with street-cast faces standing proudly alongside big names like Paloma Elsesser and Lineisy Montero. Meanwhile J Balvin seamlessly transitioned from guest to model to performer and Honey Dijon commanded the runway before taking over the after-party decks.
As the show reached its crescendo, a speech echoed through the cathedral – Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde’s impassioned plea for US President Trump to show mercy to trans people and immigrants. It was a poignant moment of reckoning, a reminder that fashion – at its most powerful – does more than adorn. It agitates, it uplifts, it demands to be heard. In that moment, Chavarria proved that fashion is not just about looking good; it’s about standing for something.
Photography by Christina Fragkou.
