Willy Chavarria is making headlines for stepping away from the traditional runway to stage a Broadway-style musical for his Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection during Paris Fashion Week. A few weeks earlier, we had the pleasure of speaking with the Mexican-American designer about his Middle East debut and the power of silhouette.
His arrival at Harvey Nichols Dubai marks a strategic step for the brand into the Middle East. “I’m excited to bring the brand to the Middle East because there’s such an appreciation for luxury fashion. Dubai has a strong understanding of art and fashion, and I think my work offers a new perspective to the region,” he explains.
Beyond design, Willy Chavarria’s work engages with a broader conversation about identity. “Identity is very important right now,” he observes, noting how fashion can convey character and intention. His collections communicate these ideas through proportion, material and silhouette, presenting garments that are both appealing and accessible.
This connection between concept and form continues in the way he approaches silhouette and wearability. Oversized jackets, double-breasted tailoring and statement pieces define much of Willy Chavarria’s aesthetic, yet practicality remains central. “Silhouette is where I express most of the ideas in a collection, but wearability is always at the core. I design around real people, so I’m always thinking about how a garment fits. Statement pieces usually come from moments when I want to explore something new,” he says. This balance between architectural form and functional design shapes the rhythm of his collections.
Willy Chavarria applies the same approach to graphics, minimalism and material. “Some pieces need to be noticeable. Others are more subtle,” he explains. The same consideration guides fabric choice. “I choose materials that feel refined but also feel approachable.”
His work has also drawn attention from artists around the world. “I’m inspired by people who carry themselves with honesty and character. That’s why collaborations with artists like Billie Eilish or J. Balvin have been meaningful. In the Middle East, I’m looking forward to people with that same character engaging with the brand,” he adds.
Looking ahead to Spring 2026, proportion remains a key focus. “For Spring 2026, I’m exploring the balance of proportion, both exaggerated and controlled. There’s a subtle sophistication in modesty, and I see that connecting with the direction fashion is moving. That is what I enjoyed most about our salon-style show in New York this September,” Chavarria explains.
Underlying all of these considerations is a single approach: “Dress with dignity, power and honesty,” notes the designer. This philosophy guides both the expressive and understated pieces in his collections, resulting in a wardrobe that reflects thoughtful design.
