Chavarria channels ‘80s drama, mexican telenovelas for zara
Zara’s relentless march through the fashion news cycle continues, this time with a collaboration that feels both unexpected and perfectly timed. Willy Chavarria, the New York-based designer known for his vibrant explorations of Chicano identity and unapologetic glamour, is the latest name to grace the retailer’s roster, bringing a collection of menswear and womenswear, jewelry, and accessories to Zara stores and online on March 26th.
A designer's nostalgia, democratized
Chavarria describes the partnership as a crucial opportunity to “share the elevated aspects of the brand vision with a wider and more democratic audience.” The collection, titled “Vatísmo”—a superlative form of “vato,” a colloquial term brimming with meaning within the Chicano community—is a celebration of friendship, pride, and belonging. It’s a sentiment woven deeply into Chavarria’s design ethos, and now accessible to a broader consumer base.
But this isn’t just about expanding reach. Chavarria explicitly states this collaboration allows him to showcase his vision for womenswear, a realm he’s previously explored through theatrical runway presentations, the most recent unfolding in Paris’s Dojo de Paris—a meticulously recreated New York City intersection complete with crosswalks and furniture.
The genesis of the collection, he reveals, stems from a potent daydream: “I had a fantasy of a mansion in Mexico City where a family with many dramatic issues lived. I was looking at American television drama series from the 1980’s like Dallas and Dynasty mixed with the Mexican telenovelas I grew up with my grandmother watching.” The result, he notes with a wry smile, is “incredibly chic and dramatic to the point of humor.”
Christy turlington, reimagined
The campaign, captured by Glen Luchford, features a striking reimagining of supermodel Christy Turlington. “I wanted us to see her as we have never seen her before,” Chavarria explains. The images highlight silhouettes characterized by strong shoulders—manifested as sharply tailored jackets in tropical-weight wool, patent fabrics, and leather—a nod to the designer’s signature aesthetic. Quality, Chavarria insists, is paramount: “The quality in these garments is very impressive.”
Beyond the jackets, expect new interpretations of Chavarria’s celebrated trousers, available in wide-leg, pleated women’s styles and a slightly barrelled, structured men’s cut. A selection of skirts, ranging from a rust-hued midi to an acid-washed denim version, further expands the offering, alongside longline shorts destined to become a summer staple. Florals, lace accents, and opulent gold jewelry elevate the collection's glamour, while a foundation of everyday essentials—rose-embroidered bodysuits, slogan tees, and ribbed socks—ensures versatility. The men’s line features playful logo-stamped minishorts, paired with “Chavarria”-emblazoned tees, inviting wearers into his “Nueva York” sphere.
Ultimately, this Zara venture isn't just a collaboration; it's an expansion of a world. A world already cultivated by a devoted following, and now poised to welcome a new wave of adherents—a testament to Chavarria's singular vision and Zara’s continued ambition.