Willy Chavarria ’s SS25 runway show, titled América, took place at the 23 Wall Street in New York City, drawing in a star-studded crowd including Tracee Ellis Ross, Ciara, Lourdes Leon, and Jordan Clarkson. The collection, which centered on themes of resilience, diversity, and unity, blended Chavarria’s Mexican-American heritage with a broader commentary on the evolving identity of America. As always, Chavarria used his platform to highlight underrepresented voices, combining fashion with activism.
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The show opened with a moving live performance by Yahritza Y Su Esencia, whose rendition of Juan Gabriel’s classic “Querida” set the emotional tone for the evening. Divided into three segments—Fine Fashions, Willy Produce, and Community Center—the collection showcased Chavarria’s signature approach to workwear, merging practical design with artistic expression.
In a standout moment, Chavarria unveiled his collaboration with adidas, marking a partnership that explored the intersection of sports and fashion. The collection featured 22 looks, including a modern reinterpretation of the iconic adidas “Jabbar” sneaker, originally designed for Kareem Abdul Jabbar in 1978. The sneaker’s revival spoke to the cultural significance of Abdul Jabbar, both as a sports icon and a social justice advocate, aligning perfectly with Chavarria’s ethos.
A highlight of the collection was the introduction of The Jalisco Oxford shoe, created in collaboration with Allen Edmonds. Designed to break traditional fashion boundaries, the oxford shoe represented Chavarria’s commitment to creating gender-inclusive, seasonless pieces. Drawing inspiration from his roots in California’s agricultural heartland, the collection also celebrated the contributions of Mexican immigrants to the American workforce, tying personal history with a broader cultural narrative.
Furthering his commitment to advocacy, Chavarria revealed a merch collaboration with the ACLU, underscoring the designer’s focus on social justice. This partnership set the stage for an upcoming panel discussion with the ACLU and GQ, scheduled for later in the month, emphasizing the importance of dialogue around these critical issues.
Concluding the presentation was the Willy Chavarria x Tequila Don Julio Capsule Collection, featuring garments inspired by Mexican iconography and Día de Muertos. The collection, which included a linen guayabera shirt, handcrafted accessories, and a straw ranchero hat, honored Mexican traditions and celebrated themes of love, family, and community. Through this emotional storytelling and impactful designs, América solidified Chavarria’s reputation as a designer who uses fashion to engage with contemporary social issues.
View the collection in the Gallery below:
