Willy Chavarria Turns Paris Into a Telenovela With “Eterno” FW26

Willy Chavarria did not just present a collection in Paris. He told a story.

Before the show began, people in the public were initially told they would be invited to a viewing party for Eterno, only to be surprised when they were welcomed into the actual show itself. The gesture felt intentional and deeply aligned with his values, breaking down the usual barriers of exclusivity and reinforcing the idea that this was not just for the industry, but a moment meant to be shared.

His FW26 show, Eterno, unfolded like a living film, blending fashion, music, and performance into a dramatic narrative rooted in telenovela emotion, Chicano culture, and film noir intensity. Set on a runway designed as an intersection crosswalk, the show felt like a slice of barrio life frozen in time, where paths crossed, tensions rose, and identities collided.

The opening scene belonged entirely to Mon Laferte. She emerged first, performing “Femme Fatale” while lying on a bed placed within the set, immediately establishing the show’s mood. The moment felt intimate and theatrical, like the opening shot of a classic telenovela. Her presence hinted at themes of desire, power, vulnerability, and danger, all central to the story Chavarria was about to tell. The atmosphere was slow, dramatic, and heavy with emotion.

As the music shifted, the narrative moved forward with Lunay. Performing “Ojalá,” he rose and began a morning routine, signaling the transition from performance into runway. This is where fashion entered the story. Models began crossing the intersection runway, weaving through the space as if part of the scene rather than separate from it. The collection opened with noticeably slim and moody tailoring, a striking departure from Chavarria’s typically oversized silhouettes. Straight and slim-fit trousers were paired with proportioned blazers and structured coats, creating a restrained and cinematic look that matched the tone of the performance. Mahmood joined the sequence, closing this chapter of the show and reinforcing its emotional weight.

Slowly, the collection began to loosen. Subtle injections of personality appeared through plush leopard textures, snake prints, and bursts of pink, cobalt, yellow, and red. These elements softened the austerity and hinted at the layered identities Chavarria consistently explores. The clothing felt intentional and precise, yet deeply expressive.

The second act shifted the energy entirely. Lil Mr. E cruised into the space, backed by a lowriding crew dressed in “Big Willy” workwear. Bomber jackets and hoodies took over the runway, grounding the show firmly in Chicano street culture. Santos Bravos followed, bringing with them a wave of adidas Originals tracksuits and sportswear. The collaboration stood out as a natural extension of Chavarria’s vision, featuring reimagined jerseys, colorful details, and new collaborative sneakers. Some models carried footballs, reinforcing the communal and athletic spirit embedded in the designs.

As Feid performed “Interlude,” the mood softened once again, creating a pause before the finale. The energy lowered, allowing the audience to breathe as the collection transitioned toward elegance. This set the stage for the final act, soundtracked by Latin Mafia performing “Siento Que Merezco Más.”

During the song’s emotional peak, the narrative reached its climax. Mon Laferte, Lunay, and Mahmood returned to the spotlight, reentering the story that began the show. In a dramatic, perfectly timed moment, Mon Laferte shot Lunay to the beat of the music, closing the theatrical arc with a powerful and unforgettable image. It was pure telenovela drama, executed with intention and precision.

The final looks reflected that emotional crescendo. Minimal cocktail dresses, flowing drapery, and refined tailoring took over the runway. The closing gowns nodded to iconic couture, including one shimmering gold design finished with a trailing pink cape that captured both vulnerability and grandeur.

As the presentation concluded, Willy Chavarria joined his models on the runway wearing a statement tee that read, “Protection is Love.” The message felt personal and defiant, a reminder of the values that guide his work.

Eterno was not just one of the most energetic shows of Paris Fashion Week. It was a declaration. Chavarria continues to prove that he does not need to sacrifice any part of his identity. His queerness, his Latinidad, and his California upbringing exist together, openly and unapologetically. That honesty is what gives his work its emotional depth and lasting impact.