Willy Chavarria Wins Designer of the Year at 2025 Latin American Fashion Awards
Courtesy of Latin American Fashion Awards
Mexican-American designer, Willy Chavarria has won the Designer of the Year award at the second annual Latin American Fashion Awards (LAFA) held in the Dominican Republic this past weekend.
Following a year of lauded runways shows, limited-edition releases and even widespread criticism over a huarache-sneaker design— Chavarría’s win was delivered by Donatella Versace, who says in an Instagram post “I love your energy, your passion and creativity” to Chavarría and all the winners and nominees for the LAFA ceremony.
The biannual LAFA ceremony was held against the backdrop of Casa de Campo Resort and Villas in La Romana, Dominican Republic, and was hosted by Becky G and Mexican actor, Luis Gerardo Méndez. The four-day weekend celebration brought together individuals from around the world to honor “Latin American talent revolutionizing the global fashion industry.”
Winners across the 14 categories include Mexican Designer Patricio Campillo of Campillo as the Emerging Designer of the Year, Agua by Agua Bendita as the Brand of the Year, and Juanel Hernandez as the Dominican Republic Local Star of the Year. Raul Lopez of Luar also won the inaugural Carmen Busquets Couture Prize worth $50,000.
In an interview with Hola Magazine, Chavarría remarked on the importance of Latinos in fashion and culture during the CFDA Fashion Awards.
“As Latinos, we are incredibly powerful and incredibly beautiful in our hearts and our souls. As Latinos, the creative impact we’ve had on this world is unmeasurable. And that comes naturally for me when I design.”