Bold human, and unmistakably his own, Willy Chavarria has become one of the most powerful voices in contemporary menswear. Known for his sculptural oversized silhouettes, precision tailoring, and deeply emotional approach to fashion, the American–Chicano designer uses clothing as a language; one that speaks of identity, community, and cultural truth.
Last September, he launched exclusively at Harvey Nichols – Dubai, bringing his singular aesthetic to the Middle East for the first time, marking a new chapter for a brand that continues to redefine what modern luxury can look and feel like.
In this conversation, KHAMSA dove into the vision, values, and artistic pulse behind one of fashion’s most compelling storytellers.
All images are courtesy of Willy Chavarria.
١. As your brand arrives exclusively at Harvey Nichols Dubai, how do you envision your aesthetic resonating with the Middle East market, and to the region’s style sensibilities?
The Middle East has a great appreciation for newness in luxury fashion.
I like to design for people who want to feel strong with an air of positivity. I think this resonates everywhere today. I am very excited to bring to Dubai a modern approach to what fashion can mean. It is craftsmanship, fabrication, wash, and an attitude of cool that has been missing for a while.
2. How do you see this collaboration shaping your brand’s presence in the Middle East, and what role do you imagine the local customer playing in your brand’s evolution?
My team and I are very thoughtful about the distribution of the brand. Harvey Nichols is a long-standing pillar of excellence in fashion retail. The WILLY CHAVARRÍA clientele is looking for fashion that speaks to their individual personalities. I think the curiosity of the Harvey Nichols shopper is a perfect fit.
٣. With this launch in Dubai, are there specific messages or causes you hope your garments carry to a new audience?
I’ve always felt that fashion is such an intimate and personal way to communicate. We bring extensions of ourselves into our worlds to bring them to life and make them a part of our self-expression. My stand on humanity is quite simple: We all deserve dignity, love and abundance. My team and I incorporate that philosophy into every part of the design process.
٤. Do you see fashion in this context as a soft diplomacy?
Hm, this is an interesting question. I actually do, because I think globally. As my brand grows, I am very conscious about how I reach and have an impact on people. My team, voice, and runway shows truly celebrate the value of kindness and diversity of people. These are virtues that are often overlooked in our line of work.
I like to deliver a message of a shared humanity.
٥. Can you walk us through your creative process and where do you allow spontaneity or local inspiration to step in?
There needs to be a reality show that captures the spontaneity of our design team. We are quite passionate. I have always designed around characters – people I see on the street, in my family, in old photos. When we talk style and design, we always talk about the person who is wearing it. This is how I personally see the world and it leads us to create scenes. A subway car with a football jock, a wealthy Upper East Side socialite, an IT guy, and a downtown girl. And they’re all in love with each other. (laughs)
٦. As Willy Chavarria becomes accessible to a new clientele in the Gulf, how do you maintain your brand’s integrity and authenticity while also scaling?
Since the brand’s inception in 2015, I have remained committed to an aesthetic and a brand message. This has not wavered. This is the core of everything I do. Even if I’m selling chinos and tee shirts in one part of the world and ball gowns and custom tuxedos in another part, it’s all the same ethos. That is the secret to expansion.
٧. Looking ahead, beyond this Dubai launch: what’s your vision for Willy Chavarria across the broader Middle East and North Africa? Are there specific collaborations, projects or narratives you’d like to explore in this region (be it cultural, architectural, or artistic)?
It would be interesting to work on a project with contemporary artist, Ahmed Mater. Seeing everyday life in Mecca through his lens would be amazing.
