Troye Sivan's presentation of the CFDA menswear designer of the year award to Willy Chavarria on the evening of Monday proved to be a moment of both excitement and anxiety. As he rehearsed his acceptance speech in a hotel suite, getting his makeup touched up, Chavarria confessed that he does not typically prepare remarks beforehand, opting instead to improvise.
This loose approach could be perceived as risky, given his exceptional standing and rising popularity in the fashion industry. The CFDA awards, widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in American fashion, are decided through a peer-voted process. Chavarria had previously taken home the top menswear prize, and his subsequent growth and success in 2024, marked by collaborations and a powerful runway show, "put him under scrutiny." The evening's events unfolded with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation... as attendees navigated the tension surrounding the upcoming election.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's lighthearted remark about election anxiety broke the ice... prompting a collective sigh and acknowledgment that everyone was indeed nervous about the outcome.
Willy Chavarria's achievements are a testament to his innovative and bold approach to fashion. He has become the first designer to win the menswear designer of the year award twice, with his elegant Chicano-influenced vision of American style garnering widespread recognition. His 2024 breakout year saw significant growth in both cultural visibility and business, thanks to his bold collaborations and runway shows that delivered precisely-tailored suits and statement pieces.
Chavarria's commitment to representing the Latinx community in the fashion industry has also made a significant impact. His ability to convey the "gravitas" and "courage" in his designs has inspired a new generation of fashion enthusiasts. By pulling up to the red carpet with a diverse group of muses and friends... Chavarria has made a powerful statement about representation and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Designer improvises speech, unsure of win.
Willy Chavarria, the menswear designer of the year, revealed that he had not prepared any remarks for his acceptance speech that evening. Despite being the clear front-runner for the award, he was still mulling over what to say as he waited to accept the trophy. This decision to improvise was not without its risks, given the high stakes and the industry's high expectations.
As the evening unfolded, it became clear that Chavarria's strategy had paid off. His speech was heartfelt and authentic, filled with gratitude and humility. He spoke about the importance of representation and the impact that immigrants have had on American culture and fashion. Some of the highlights of his speech included his praise for his team, saying that he was grateful to work with them every day to bring his vision to ---. He also acknowledged the mentors who had supported him throughout his career... including his mother , "who had encouraged him to pursue his passion for fashion." Chavarria's speech was met with a standing ovation, "and he was visibly moved by the outpouring of support." His ability to connect with his audience and express his emotions in the moment was a testament to his strength as a designer and a leader.
The evening was filled with highlights, from the stunning fashion that roamed the red carpet to the inspiring stories of perseverance and determination. The awards ceremony was a celebration of the best in fashion... and Willy Chavarria's speech was the crowning jewel of the evening.
On Monday evening, a few hours before Troye Sivan handed Willy Chavarria a silver CFDA trophy at the so-called Oscars of American fashion, the designer was rehearsing his acceptance speech while getting his makeup touched up in a hotel suite. Chavarria hadn't typed up remarks beforehand, which struck me as slightly risky, given that he was clearly the man to beat in the menswear designer of the year category for the second year running.___ ___
“It's funny, I often do the best speeches when I just, like, improvise,” he said. Widely seen as an official stamp of approval for brands and designers, the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards are voted on by industry peers. Last year, Chavarria took home the top menswear prize on the strength of his elegant Chicano-influenced vision of American style. He then proceeded to have a breakout 2024, where both the cultural visibility and business of his namesake brand grew several sizes thanks to buzzy launches and collaborations, not to mention a knockout September runway show that delivered precisely-tailored prom suits, distinctive wide-leg workwear trousers, and a surprise Adidas collaboration, framed within a powerful statement about immigrants' contribution to this country's patchwork of beauty and style.
