Willy Chavarria SS26 Proves Fashion Is a Force for Resistance

At Paris Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer 2026, Mexican-American designer Willy Chavarria once again blurred the lines between fashion and activism. His new collection, HURON, named after his hometown in California’s Central Valley, delivered a runway experience grounded in political resistance, cultural memory, and radical dignity.

The show opened with a striking image: thirty-five men dressed in white ACLU-designed t-shirts, heads shaved and kneeling in unison. The powerful collaboration with the American Civil Liberties Union sent an unmistakable message about mass incarceration and immigrant detention. The haunting cover of “California Dreamin’” by José Feliciano played overhead, setting a reflective tone for the deeply personal and political show.

But it wasn’t just a statement about men. Women’s empowerment emerged as a defining theme. Head of Design Rebeca Mendoza brought fierce softness to the runway, introducing sharp tailoring, trench dresses, and pencil skirts that echoed the authority and elegance of Latinas who hold their ground. Her work offered balance—a reminder that resistance is not only masculine, but also rooted in feminine strength.

Adding star power and Latina flair to the runway was Becky G, who modeled in the show, proving once again that she’s not just a music icon but a growing force in fashion. Her presence embodied the power of representation and the beauty of cultura on global stages.

The show also featured a soul-stirring performance from Mexican feminist singer Vivir Quintana, who sang “Te Mereces Un Amor.”

From start to finish, Chavarria’s HURON wasn’t just fashion it was storytelling. It was familia. It was protest. And most of all, it was a love letter to nuestra gente.

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