Willy Chavarria Unveils Empowering Womenswear Collection for Spring/Summer 2026

Willy Chavarria Unveils Bold Womenswear Collection at Printemps: A Celebration of Confidence and Power

New York, NY — Willy Chavarria, the acclaimed designer recently honored as the 2024 CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year, took a significant step into the world of womenswear this past Saturday. At a captivating “pre-sale” event held at Printemps, Chavarria showcased his inaugural womenswear collection, a vibrant homage to the confident woman who embraces her individuality and power.

“She’s a woman who owns herself, who owns her power, owns her sensuality,” Chavarria articulated, searching for the right words to encapsulate his vision. “She isn’t afraid to wear color and doesn’t want to disappear into the background.” This ethos was palpable throughout the collection, which he first previewed in Paris earlier this year.

The Spring/Summer 2026 collection was presented in a salon-style reception reminiscent of the original couture shows, inviting VIP clients and media to experience a private viewing complete with order cards and catalogues. The collection has already garnered attention from high-end retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Dover Street Market, and Net-a-Porter, with pieces set to hit stores in January 2026.

Each seat at the event was equipped with a pencil and a pamphlet detailing 14 numbered looks, while models elegantly navigated Printemps’ “red room,” a floral-filled gallery, showcasing the collection. One standout model, adorned in a wide-brimmed hat and a belted satin-silk trench dress, effortlessly clutched a martini glass, embodying the chic sophistication of the line.

Chavarria’s collection spans a diverse range of styles, from easy-to-wear streetwear to elegant evening pieces and couture. Prices reflect this variety, ranging from $250 for a women’s jersey to $2,000 for leather garments. “It’s my first — though ‘not aggressive’ — expansion into womenswear,” Chavarria explained, noting the demand from department stores for a broader offering from one of New York’s most celebrated designers.

Accessories also played a pivotal role in the collection, featuring unique pieces like a bolero bag in glazed cow skin and a “big ass clutch” in distressed chocolate cow skin, both set to arrive at Printemps.

Chavarria’s design director, Rebeca Mendoza, highlighted the creative process behind the collection, stating, “We started taking a lot of pieces that are men’s pieces and turning them into women’s pieces.” This innovative approach reimagines his Chicano-inspired menswear, transforming familiar designs into fresh, empowering looks for women.

The presentation marked a notable shift in Chavarria’s artistic direction, moving away from the politically charged themes that characterized his previous shows. In contrast to his recent collections, which featured poignant social commentary, this event focused on commercial appeal and the celebration of femininity.

As Chavarria embarks on this new chapter, he aims to cultivate a market that mirrors the organic growth he achieved in menswear. “I want to do the same with women’s, as I’ve done in men’s, which is let it happen on its own,” he remarked.

With this bold new collection, Willy Chavarria is poised to make a significant impact in the womenswear arena, inviting women everywhere to embrace their confidence and individuality through fashion.