AUTOEROTICA SIZZLES

BY: Lina Lecaro

With Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing, the much-needed focus on Latino excellence provides an opportunity to spotlight game-changing talent. We’re not talking about some token annual recognition, but bodies of work that resonate with realness, rebellion and reflection. When it comes to fashion, one name emerges above the rest in this regard right now, elevating and celebrating the culture in a way that’s both sexy and authentic: Willy Chavarria.

Inspired by his Mexican-American identity, the Huron, California-bred designer has been steadily honing his vision for the past decade. But it was after his breakthrough moment at Paris Fashion Week last year that mainstream style-watchers really started to respect his vision. The Fall/Winter 2025-2026 collection saw pop princess Becky G walk her first-ever runway show as Chavarria’s muse, wearing cholita hair and makeup (thin brows, dark lips) and a tank top touting a not so new aesthetic (at least not to Latina fashionistas like this writer)— “sad mami” chic.

We wore thin-strappy baby tees and “wife-beater” tanks with provocative nicknames in Old English lettering long before Chavarria showcased them on the runway (so did Anaheim’s own Gwen Stefani, which some saw as appropriation; we saw it as a loving nod). But there was something about the way Willy presented the look that was elegant and fresh.

Beyond statement tees, the game-changing catwalk also featured oversized tailoring (from baggy jeans to bold shoulder padding), Western references, Gothic glamor and very obvious zoot suit silhouettes, all of which were intentional contrasts to the contemporary street garb of modern lowriders, gangsters and chigonas.

The two-time CFDA Fashion Award-winner’s latest collection for Autumn/Winter 2026 is as spicy and attention grabbing as anything he’s presented thus far, but decidedly more audacious. Titled AUTOEROTICA, the line is built around sexuality, identity and autonomy.

The “Willy Woman” as the designer calls her, owns her body and her desires shamelessly. “Sad Mami” is back in new fonts and more colors, paired with garter belts and stockings, flowy silk dresses, leather and denim skirts in pencil and aline cuts, cropped jackets, and work wear touches.

Touting the themes as “trans-positive and queer-positive by design,” the collection maintains Chavarria’s strong tailoring, whimsical proportions, and his signature pointed collars. On the surface it might seem like a more hedonistic lane for him, but it’s actually very much in line with his consistent messaging about self-expression and representation.

“AUTOEROTICA is an unapologetically sex-positive narrative told through fashion. It is a reclamation of eroticism, glamour, and personal freedom with a fearlessness that has rarely been embraced since the 1970s. Through an in-your-face cinematic lens, Willy Chavarria rejects the sanitized restraint of contemporary imagery in favor of something visceral, sophisticated, humorous, and defiantly alive,” states the press release for the campaign.

The collection is based on “a deep respect for the people who wear the clothes,” and that shines through in the sultry shoot by Diego Bendezu, and individual pieces, like the Mini Mercedes Rose Scarf Dress, which is sculptural yet relaxed; and shiny leather looks for men and women.

The respect element is important, especially after the criticism of his Big Willy collab with Adidas, which featured shoes inspired by huarache sandals. Though they originate from Oaxaca, Mexico, the footwear was manufactured in China with no mention of the Indigenous artisans who created the original design. Following the flack, Adidas and Chavarria both issued formal apologies and based on his work prior, it was clearly an oversight.

The controversy hasn’t hurt his collab game, either. Chavarria just released a new line of leather boots with Ugg featuring a campy promo starring actors Danny Trejo, Eva Longoria and Ms. G. Last week, the launch party during NYFW saw a Latin biker club rev up the scene as Don Julio margaritas (another brand he’s working with) flowed and G. once again came out to support the designer.

“Being a proud Chicana means a lot to me and Willy, and the idea of ‘leaving where we’re from’ can be really scary, intimidating, or sometimes shunned upon,” the singer told Vogue. “But we both have the courage to grow and dream big.”

Chavarria’s latest AUTOEROTICA themed looks prove his dreams are bigger and bolder than ever. We can’t wait to see where his creativity cruises into next.