Dive Brief:
- Willy Chavarria and Pacsun have released a limited edition collection available Friday, per a press release.
- The "Big Willy by Willy Chavarria” 12-piece collaboration features unisex graphic tees and hoodies in white, black, brown and navy. Prices range from $40 to $80, and a portion of the proceeds will support Fresno Barrios Unidos, a Fresno, California-based nonprofit organization that helps young people impacted by gangs.
- Last month saw additional collaborations for both brands — Chavarria launched his nine-piece Dickies collaboration, and Pacsun released a collection with The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Dive Insight:
Chavarria’s work in high fashion has been influenced by his heritage and history, and this collaboration reflects that ethos. Launched in celebration of this September’s Latin Heritage Month, the collection “celebrates his identity and is inspired by his Latinx background,” the release stated.
"Chicano style has had a tremendous influence on fashion from street style to the runways,” Chavarria said in the release. “BIG WILLY launches with key style pieces like boxy tees and cozy hoodies that come with the flavor. It's exciting to launch this concept at Pacsun and reach a broader audience for my brand."
He said it was also important for him to contribute to the work of Fresno Barrios Unidos, which he called “a key player in Latinx culture guiding our youth to follow the heart and believe in the goodness of life,” adding, “I honor and celebrate Fresno California Barrios Unidos as a source of inspiration for all the Latinidad."
The collection will be available through Pacsun stores and its e-commerce sites, and Chavarria will support the release by appearing in-store at Pacsun's Soho New York location on Sept. 23.
"This collaboration continues Pacsun's longstanding history of working with creative visionaries at the forefront of creating designs that capture where fashion, music, art, and youth culture converge," Brie Olson, Pacsun’s newly appointed CEO, said in the release. "Both his unapologetic stand on human rights, visionary approach to design and California roots make Willy a natural partner for Pacsun."
"When someone from where we come from makes it, we all make it." Alex Zubia, executive director of Fresno Barrios Unidos, said in the release. "Willy Chavarria is an example of what it means to be built with love and rooted in culture. We are incredibly grateful to be considered for this project. Beyond financial gains, witnessing a dreamer's vision come true remains invaluable to our youth, in a place where hope is often scarce.”
