WILLY CHAVARRIA / INTERVIEW
2016.04.26 / OTHERS
Based in New York, designer "WILLY CHAVARRIA" offers sophisticated menswear.
An exclusive interview conducted by Dice and Dice.
"I often drew the clothes of characters from movies and television."
To start off, could you tell us what inspired you to begin your fashion journey?
WILLY: The inspiration for my fashion "career" goes back to my childhood. I was learning to draw figures and often drew the clothes of characters from movies and television.
For some reason, I drew a lot of women's clothing at that time. This was before I went to kindergarten, around the age of 3 or 4.
I moved to New York as an adult. My first job in fashion was with Ralph Lauren. I was scouted while living near the beaches of California.
I was also interested in "visual art." While studying graphic art in San Francisco, I worked under Nicholas Graham for the Joe Boxer label. It was a new label at that time, and I was able to do very fun and creative work. That’s where I learned about fashion. If it weren't enjoyable, it wouldn't have any meaning.
"For me, fashion is like art and film."
What are your goals in the current New York fashion scene?
WILLY: I don't have specific goals in the New York fashion scene. In fact, I don't just capture the "fashion scene." For me, fashion is like art and film. I see the creative new ideas that arise when I think about myself as my goals. And I want to bring joy to people through clothing. I love seeing people wear my clothes in their own unique ways.
"The most beautiful and elegant street fashion in America."
Do you have any colors or themes for SS16?
WILLY: The theme for SS16 is "Cholo Les Chic." The San Joaquin Valley in California, where I grew up, was a city where Cholo culture thrived. I found the most beautiful and elegant street fashion in America within "Cholo culture." This has influenced my current style. Therefore, I always transform classic elements from Chicano style into something refined, creating alluring clothing.
"I want to discover people's individuality from traditional styles."
What cultures are connected to the clothes you create?
WILLY: The collections I create are very much inspired by Mexican-American culture. I think of the Chicano culture within me as a fashion concept and shape it into something new. I want to discover people's individuality from traditional styles. For example, I really like women's clothing, but the clothes I create are also very beautiful when worn by women. In other words, I want to explore the idea of genderless clothing. I want to create things that have no discrimination.
"I am influenced by a very chic Danish modern style."
How do you envision the future developments after AW16?
WILLY: Every season, I look forward to creating collections. Currently, I have been living in Copenhagen for about a year, and I am influenced by a very chic Danish modern style. I am inspired by Danish furniture, architecture, nature, and their positive attitude. This is very reflected in the new 17SS collection.
Regarding the future of my brand, I want to create things that do not overlap with other brands. I am thinking of unique developments. I am happy that there are people who enjoy my clothes.
Thank you very much.
Dice and Dice has started offering the SS16 collection. It is available at our Fukuoka store, Tokyo store, and online store, so please take a look.
Here are the products from WILLY CHAVARRIA.
WILLY CHAVARRIA
The "WILLY CHAVARRIA" label was born to maximize the expression of sophisticated silhouettes and drapes.
Designer Willy creates collections that are bold yet simple, contrasting with the image of New York, and the voluminous silhouettes made from elegant fabrics are structured to fit softly to the wearer's body.
The 2016 Spring/Summer collection, now in its second season, will showcase collections produced in New York and Peru. The Pachuco collection features tops expressed in unique big silhouettes and bottoms that express a beautiful silhouette with exquisite balance in length. The Buffalo collection is characterized by relaxed silhouettes with drape made from comfortable cotton.
An exclusive interview conducted by Dice and Dice.
"I often drew the clothes of characters from movies and television."
To start off, could you tell us what inspired you to begin your fashion journey?
WILLY: The inspiration for my fashion "career" goes back to my childhood. I was learning to draw figures and often drew the clothes of characters from movies and television.
For some reason, I drew a lot of women's clothing at that time. This was before I went to kindergarten, around the age of 3 or 4.
I moved to New York as an adult. My first job in fashion was with Ralph Lauren. I was scouted while living near the beaches of California.
I was also interested in "visual art." While studying graphic art in San Francisco, I worked under Nicholas Graham for the Joe Boxer label. It was a new label at that time, and I was able to do very fun and creative work. That’s where I learned about fashion. If it weren't enjoyable, it wouldn't have any meaning.
"For me, fashion is like art and film."
What are your goals in the current New York fashion scene?
WILLY: I don't have specific goals in the New York fashion scene. In fact, I don't just capture the "fashion scene." For me, fashion is like art and film. I see the creative new ideas that arise when I think about myself as my goals. And I want to bring joy to people through clothing. I love seeing people wear my clothes in their own unique ways.
"The most beautiful and elegant street fashion in America."
Do you have any colors or themes for SS16?
WILLY: The theme for SS16 is "Cholo Les Chic." The San Joaquin Valley in California, where I grew up, was a city where Cholo culture thrived. I found the most beautiful and elegant street fashion in America within "Cholo culture." This has influenced my current style. Therefore, I always transform classic elements from Chicano style into something refined, creating alluring clothing.
"I want to discover people's individuality from traditional styles."
What cultures are connected to the clothes you create?
WILLY: The collections I create are very much inspired by Mexican-American culture. I think of the Chicano culture within me as a fashion concept and shape it into something new. I want to discover people's individuality from traditional styles. For example, I really like women's clothing, but the clothes I create are also very beautiful when worn by women. In other words, I want to explore the idea of genderless clothing. I want to create things that have no discrimination.
"I am influenced by a very chic Danish modern style."
How do you envision the future developments after AW16?
WILLY: Every season, I look forward to creating collections. Currently, I have been living in Copenhagen for about a year, and I am influenced by a very chic Danish modern style. I am inspired by Danish furniture, architecture, nature, and their positive attitude. This is very reflected in the new 17SS collection.
Regarding the future of my brand, I want to create things that do not overlap with other brands. I am thinking of unique developments. I am happy that there are people who enjoy my clothes.
Thank you very much.
Dice and Dice has started offering the SS16 collection. It is available at our Fukuoka store, Tokyo store, and online store, so please take a look.
Here are the products from WILLY CHAVARRIA.
WILLY CHAVARRIA
The "WILLY CHAVARRIA" label was born to maximize the expression of sophisticated silhouettes and drapes.
Designer Willy creates collections that are bold yet simple, contrasting with the image of New York, and the voluminous silhouettes made from elegant fabrics are structured to fit softly to the wearer's body.
The 2016 Spring/Summer collection, now in its second season, will showcase collections produced in New York and Peru. The Pachuco collection features tops expressed in unique big silhouettes and bottoms that express a beautiful silhouette with exquisite balance in length. The Buffalo collection is characterized by relaxed silhouettes with drape made from comfortable cotton.