Willy Chavarria Talks Paris Style Present, Politics & Trade Impression

Within the inaugural “Savage Style” podcast episode filmed on the 4 Seasons George V resort in Paris, WWD’s chief content material officer James Fallon and magnificence director Alex Badia sat down to debate the state of the trade given the financial fears, an summary of the spring 2026 menswear season and chatted with Willy Chavarria sizzling off the heels of his extremely talked about menswear present.

“The primary present [in January] was essentially the most nerve-racking,” Chavarria advised Fallon and Badia. “I’m an American displaying in Paris. The French aren’t precisely recognized for being welcoming, however I used to be overwhelmed by the heat and acceptance I obtained from the Paris trend trade.”

Chavarria stated it was an “honor” to come back again for the second time to point out his newest assortment. He shared that he had confidence in his displaying this time round and didn’t subscribe to Parisian stereotypes. His present was extremely talked about for his political references — WWD’s Samantha Conti wrote that the present had fashions “kneeling on the runway, with their heads bent low […] as in the event that they have been about to be deported, U.S. government-style.”

Regardless of the heavy themes on show on the present, Chavarria stated he initially needed to “current pleasure,” however having his personal model has allowed him to evolve the gathering over time. “A very powerful factor for me and my crew is to remain related to the world.”

“Each determination of the present may be very thought by means of,” stated Chavarria. “I wish to have a really democratic strategy to trend and contact as many individuals as doable.” He went on to debate how he’s managed to seize the eye of assorted shoppers at differing value factors and the way the behind-the-scenes technique, collaborations with Adidas and extra have created a cohesive and all-encompassing Willy Chavarria universe.

The episode additionally dives into how Chavarria stays grounded, his household’s first time in Paris and attending his present, his social activism, the savage nature of the trade and what impression he’s hoping to make on it.

Badia additionally shared insights on the bottom from Pitti Uomo in Milan the week prior. “Everybody was on edge and there’s lots of doubts for the second half of the yr. There’s doubts from subsequent yr for retail and the U.S. being an unpredictable market.” However regardless of these financial woes, Badia stated he was excited to find new manufacturers from the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway — lots of that are dominating the Gen Z modern market.

“Pitti Uomo is clearly again,” stated Fallon. “There have been clear developments — the power in tailoring in Italy with a looser silhouette and robust double-breasted fits.” Many designers, he stated, checked out older magazines from the ’80s and ’90s for inspiration.

Fallon equally echoed Badia’s sentiments about how tariff discussions and financial and political uncertainty carried into Paris couture and the upcoming September trend month and proceed to be top-of-mind.

“Style is in its personal bubble however you can’t escape actuality!” stated Badia.

The duo mentioned different main trend information making headlines — WWD’s reporting that Anna Wintour can be stepping away as editor in chief of Vogue, however remaining the worldwide editorial director of Vogue and Condé Nast’s chief content material officer, has dominated the conversations throughout the trade.

To take heed to the total episode, CLICK HERE.