American Menswear Designer of the Year Award recipient, Willy Chavarria, brought his signature style of bold, thought-provoking fashion statements to the 2024 CFDA Awards, dressing an array of celebrities in his unique aesthetic.
Known for his knack for oversized silhouettes, Chavarria managed to infuse classic luxury with his distinctly modern edge, blending velvet and rich hues to redefine masculinity and elegance. With winter approaching, his selections leaned into the warmth and sophistication of velvet, creating a cohesive visual narrative of depth and texture.
One of the evening’s standout looks belonged to Danny Ramirez, who wore an oversized custom teal green Willy Chavarria suit styled with a light green velvet bow tie. Some might feel he was “drowning” in the fabric, yet the balanced proportions ensured the blazer and trousers complemented rather than overwhelmed his frame.
Omar Apollo, meanwhile, sported a bronzed suit with a shorter-line blazer. Some may feel that this, along with his taller frame, made the proportions feel more natural. But I think this proves that even Chavarria’s oversized ethos can adapt to different forms.
Joan Smalls took velvet to a sultry level, donning a midnight blue Willy Chavarria suit with a deep neckline and going shirtless. The look was undeniably alluring, although I would have preferred a simpler shoe to let the ensemble’s richness remain the focus. The Manolo Blahnik shoes are a distraction.
For Valentina Sampaio, the menswear designer ventured into the road less – if at all – travelled, balancing plush velvet with a floral neckline accent. While the Manolo Blahnik shoes, again, felt slightly mismatched, the silhouette made her look so statuesque.
Mahmood wore perhaps the most voluminous Willy Chavarria look of the night, a carmine velvet suit that, thanks to his shirtless styling, avoided overwhelming him with additional layers.
Valentina Ferrer leaned into velvet’s glamour, opting for a light blue cowl back design, while her beau J Balvin presented a classic midnight blue tux that kept his look grounded in Chavarria’s refined minimalism. I think Willy Chavarria is a perfect brand fit for the singer.
Precious Lee’s red velvet halter Willy Chavarria dress, styled with gloves and diamonds, invoked Old Hollywood charm, but some might say this is dated.
While I love the bright blue hue of Juana Burga’s Willy Chavarria suit, and the injection of more lux fabrics with her platinum satin draped top, I wish the trousers weren’t sitting “Simon Cowell high,” slightly impacting the visual flow.
Who stood out for you here? I love how Willy Chavarria’s mastery of velvet throughout the night redefined classic winter elegance, with each guest showcasing a distinct, memorable approach to his unapologetic style.
Credit: BFA
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