local
This designer will do anything for his village
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 27, 2026
· 6 min read
By Leah Dolan, CNN
Paris (CNN) — Fashion designer Willy Chavaria ranks well against all the typical measures of success within the fashion industry: he has a dedicated celebrity client roster, hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers, partnerships with global stockists and he’s launched col...
Key takeaway Since launching his menswear brand in 2015, the Mexican American designer casts the same key models repeatedly, such as Shaid Anaya, who takes breaks from his regular job as a construction workers to walk his shows.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The story of Willy Chavaria's success in the fashion industry has a significant connection to the El Paso community, given his Mexican American roots. Chavaria's designs, which often pay homage to Chicano style, have resonated with people beyond the fashion world, including academics like UC Santa Barbara professor Aída Hurtado. This emotional impact of his designs could be particularly relevant in El Paso, where the city's rich cultural heritage is deeply influenced by its Mexican American community. As Chavaria's brand continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how his success is received and celebrated in El Paso, and whether his designs will inspire a new generation of local fashion enthusiasts and designers. The fact that a town in California has named a day in his honor suggests that Chavaria's achievements could have a profound impact on the local community, and El Paso may be no exception.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Leah Dolan, CNN
Paris (CNN) — Fashion designer Willy Chavaria ranks well against all the typical measures of success within the fashion industry: he has a dedicated celebrity client roster, hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers, partnerships with global stockists and he’s launched col...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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