Willy Chavarria Takes Paris by Storm with a Baroque Take on West Side Story
For his Autumn/Winter 2026–27 collection, Willy Chavarria staged a fashion show loosely inspired by West Side Story, paying tribute to romantic drama set against the backdrop of gang rivalries. Presented in Paris with the sponsorship of Tequila Don Julio 1942, continuing a partnership from the past two seasons, the show transported audiences to an urban landscape inspired by Chavarria’s beloved hometown of New York.
As the evening unfolded, the show evolved into an ode to urban beauty, recalling a hybrid happening that blended artistic performance with a Latin music concert with a striking programme featuring contributions by artists including Mon Laferte, Mahmood and Santos Bravos. While last year Chavarria paid tribute to the victims of ICE raids under the Trump administration, this season’s collection felt less overtly political and more emotionally driven, infused with a strong countercultural spirit.
In terms of design, the collection encompassed several distinct lines: refined workwear, a streetwear offering, and a more accessible range titled Big Willy, developed in collaboration with Adidas. Highlights included elegant tennis-striped zoot suits, soft jackets paired with loose-fitting trousers, and sportswear crafted from tracksuits and sweatshirts emblazoned with “Washington Heights”.
The collection also featured a striking range of womenswear, from cocktail dresses and pencil trousers to military shirts, impeccably cut frock coats and pale grey suits that left a lasting impression. A refined palette of pale mint, soft pink and warm orange-red accentuated the silhouettes and volumes. One of the evening’s standout moments was the rare appearance of Romeo Beckham and Julia Fox among the models and guests.
During this vibrant show, we also spotted Usher, Thundercat, Sebastián Yatra, Camilla Araujo, Eduin Caz and many others.
Photos : Julia Hervouin
