From Dior’s Dazzle to Chavarria’s Courage, This Men’s Season Reminded Us That Clothes Can—and Should—Speak to the Moment
After weeks of men’s shows wrapped in Paris, there was much to admire—from Jonathan Anderson’s confident debut at Dior to Julian Klausner’s poetic sophomore collection for Dries Van Noten. There was exquisite technique, surprising silhouettes, and a few well-timed musical cues. But the moment that stayed with me most didn’t come wrapped in linen or styled with a Cuban heel.
It came at Willy Chavarria’s show, when he opened with a powerful dedication to immigrants and U.S. citizens currently being detained or deported by ICE. It was a reminder that while fashion can dazzle, it should also dare. When designers use their platform to say something bigger than hemline or hue, it jolts us. And right now, it’s needed more than ever.
For too long, fashion has shied away from commentary. There’s been a retreat into aesthetics—safe colors, algorithm-approved casting, and marketing strategies disguised as meaning. But historically, the industry’s most indelible moments have come when fashion didn’t just reflect the culture but reshaped it. Vivienne Westwood did it. Katharine Hamnett did it. Willy Chavarria is doing it.
And it was made all the more moving by the quiet presence of Willy’s parents, in Paris for the first time to witness their son’s work. As he reflected on the world, they reflected him—love, pride, and purpose in their eyes.
We live in a moment that asks a lot. But playing it safe has never been the path to relevance, let alone resonance. As this season proves, bravery isn’t just good for culture—it’s good for business too.
In a crowded marketplace, what stands out isn’t noise. Its voice.
So as we look ahead, let’s remember: fashion doesn’t need to shout, but it does need to speak. And when it speaks with truth and courage, people listen.
Warm Regards,
Kenneth Richard
Chief Impressionist
