Willy Chavarria Made a Bold Statement About Trump's ICE Raids at Paris Fashion Week

Even the invitation to the runway show replicated the summons the American government has been sending to migrants. Instead, Chavarria's version says “NOTICE OF RIGHT TO EXIST” at the top, along with a mock Social Security card with the attendee's seat number.

“I’m not interested in luxury as a symbol of privilege. I’m interested in luxury as a symbol of truth in one’s own character," Willy Chavarria said in a statement. “Exquisite tailoring and craftsmanship worn to elevate one’s personal intent – that’s power. That’s fashion.”

The ICE raids are not only impacting families and the livelihoods of those who are being deported, but are already having a ripple effect on multiple industries where migrants are crucial to the workforce — including fashion.

Chavarria's powerful statement kicked off an even bolder runway show. The collection was his second presented in Paris, and also explored his womenswear designs. Collaborating with the brand's Head of Design, Rebeca Mendoza, the runway show was an “exploration of identity, resistance, and refined subversion.”

Chavarria has been known to use his fashion platform to push forth his advocacy. During his winter debut in Paris, the designer presented his line's A/W 2025 collection entitled “Tarantula," along with a special sweatshirt in collaboration with Human Rights Campaign and Tinder. The sweatshirt's proceeds went directly to the HRC's fight against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and read “How We Love Is Who We Are.”

"The identity of so many people right now is under attack through increased violence, increased racism, and actual politics that are implementing systems to roll back the rights of people like immigrants, women, LGBTQ people," Chavarria told Teen Vogue in January.

Chavarria's dedication to the cause continues. As other brands have shied away from making political statements, Chavarria has made his support front and center at each of his runway shows.