Willy Chavarria SS25 Celebrates An Immigrant's American Dream

"Whose neck shall I stand on to make me feel superior and what will I have out of it? I don't want anything lower than I am. I am low enough already. I want to rise and to push everything up with me as I go."

Maybe this exact text from the 1954 American drama film, Salt of the Earth, might not be familiar to many of us, but the gist of it does -- the American dream, more specifically the American dream through the lens of an immigrant. To say Willy Chavarria's Spring/Summer 2025 show was 'great' is an incredible understatement. The deeply personal and evocative story behind the collection harks back to Chavarria's roots in Huron, California where he witnessed firsthand the lives of Mexican immigrants working the fields -- a community rich with resilience, pride and a struggle that runs deep.

"Welcome to América" was not only a tribute to this community with each outfit embodying both their hardship and dignity, but it was a powerful, honest and raw interpretation of his personal queerness, biracialism and environment growing up.

The show was fittingly opened by Latin Grammy-nominated artists Yahritza Y Su Esencia, an American-Mexican trio offering a heartfelt homage to the inspiration behind the collection. Divided into two chapters: workwear and off-duty style. Reworked janitor uniforms, navy outfits with name badges and farmer-inspired pieces dominated the runway. One standout look featured a sharp navy uniform with short sleeves and pockets, reimagined with tailored, almost militaristic precision. Polished Jalisco Oxford shoes -- a recent collaboration with men's shoe brand, Allen Edmonds -- paired with white socks highlighted the pride in appearance even in adversity.

 

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Another look paid homage to Chicano culture, featuring a bare-chested model wearing a bold red jacket. His tattooed chest, depicting La Virgen de Guadalupe, symbolized faith, identity and protection -- core elements of Chicano heritage. The oversized jacket contrasted with loose khakis represented both freedom and the weight of history.

Willy Chavarria also unveiled his collaboration with Adidas, featuring 22 looks in the second chapter of the runway show. This partnership, which has been long awaited, allowed Chavarria to showcase his challenge to traditional sportswear norms with Adidas' support. One of the looks were modelled by Olympic athlete, Noah Lyles who wore an all white fit -- sporty hot pants, long sport socks and a white headband.

Through his SS25 collection, Chavarria presented stories that were brought to life by the diverse group of ethnic models wearing them. This wasn't just a show -- it was a reminder that fashion can be a platform for powerful storytelling, a medium through which voices often silenced can be heard loud and clear.

Click the gallery to check out all the looks from the runway.

In more fashion week news, read about the five emerging designers from NYFW you cannot miss.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebae