Fashion designer Willy Chavarria showcased his line “Tarantula” at Paris Men’s Fashion Week this year, and he used the opportunity to make a statement against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Willy Chavarria has been working in the fashion industry since 1999. In 2010, he launched a menswear store in New York City, which he co-owns with his husband. Chavarria also started an eponymous label in 2015.
According to an article by the New York Times, Chavarria has a history of using his fashion designs to make political stances, such as discussing his experience of growing up in an immigrant family, speaking out against racism and criticizing capitalism.
“Tarantula” at Paris Fashion Week Jan. 21-Jan. 26 was no different. Chavarria collaborated with the dating app Tinder and the Human Rights Campaign to create a statement crewneck and other clothing items showcasing the slogan “How We Love is Who We Are.” According to LEITZES&CO, a creative agency dedicated to promoting culturally relevant projects, the crewneck was worn in the finale of Chavarria’s Paris Men’s Fashion Week show, making a point that feels increasingly relevant to many people in today’s political landscape.
Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has been a worry for many across the globe recently, and the United States are no exception. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, there are 390 anti-LGBTQ+ bills currently in-progress in the U.S., which could potentially be passed into law in the future. Many of these bills are targeted at trans people and queer minors. Some of the most common topics under discussion in these bills include healthcare restrictions and curriculum censorship in schools. In a time where millions of marginalized Americans fear for their rights, it’s easy to see why Chavarria’s showcase made a strong impact, sparked discussion and led to pushback against oppressive legislation.
In addition to wearing the “How We Love is Who We Are” crewneck at Paris Fashion Week, there are other clothing items with the slogan also available for purchase on Chavarria’s website. The other pieces in the “Tarantula” collection were inspired by Chavarria’s Mexican heritage and his Catholic upbringing. According to an article by Forbes Magazine, Chavarria chose to showcase “Tarantula” at a church during Paris Fashion Week because he was inspired by a recent sermon by Mariann Edgar Budde, urging for listeners to be compassionate and kind toward those who fear for their rights during this politically turbulent time.
Paris Fashion Week has historically been viewed as a very high-profile event, and Chavarria using the publicity to take a stand is a surefire way to make sure the message reaches as many people as possible.
