Design

The ACLU Just Made a Power Move—And It Involves Willy Chavarria

Willy Chavarria has taken a historic step in both fashion and activism: he has been named Artist Ambassador by the American Civil Liberties Union

Por: Rubén Carrillo
The Mexican-American designer has long utilized fashion as a canvas for both political and emotional expression. / Photo Willy Chavarria
The Mexican-American designer has long utilized fashion as a canvas for both political and emotional expression. / Photo Willy Chavarria

Willy Chavarria is redefining what it means to be a socially engaged creative. And now he is the first designer to be named an Artist Ambassador by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). 

 

With this title, he joins notable figures like actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and chef Padma Lakshmi in supporting civil rights through creative expression.

 

The Mexican-American designer has long utilized fashion as a canvas for both political and emotional expression. 

 

His recent Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris opened with a direct commentary on the immigration policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump. 

 

Models dressed in sterile white uniforms sat solemnly, heads bowed, symbolizing the traumatic experiences of those in immigrant detention centers.

 

The show aligned with the release of a collaboration between Chavarria, the Human Rights Campaign, and Tinder, featuring the now-iconic slogan: “How we love is who we are.”

His recent Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris opened with a direct commentary on the immigration policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump. / Photo Willy Chavarria
His recent Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris opened with a direct commentary on the immigration policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump. / Photo Willy Chavarria

The ACLU’s Creatives for Freedom Initiative

Earlier this year, the ACLU launched a new campaign titled Creatives for Freedom. 

 

The initiative brings together voices from across industries—fashion, music, comedy, film, and social media—uniting them in the fight to preserve democracy and civil rights. 

 

Chavarria was a co-host of the launch event, along with Lakshmi and designer Gabriela Hearst.

 

As an Artist Ambassador, Willy Chavarria is now part of this growing movement, using his influence to spotlight issues like immigration, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Earlier this year, the ACLU launched a new campaign titled Creatives for Freedom. / Photo Willy Chavarria
Earlier this year, the ACLU launched a new campaign titled Creatives for Freedom. / Photo Willy Chavarria

A History of Activism on the Runway

This isn’t Chavarria’s first time fusing activism with fashion. In his Fall/Winter 2025 debut in Paris, the designer ended the show with a bold audio statement. 

 

He played the sermon of Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, originally delivered at Trump’s inauguration. 

 

The speech begged for compassion toward immigrants and LGBTQIA individuals, amplifying the political urgency behind the clothing.

 

Aligning With a Legacy Organization

Founded in 1920, the ACLU is a cornerstone of American civil liberties. 

 

Its recent legal battles have included protecting access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth and defending immigrants from unlawful deportation practices. Chavarria’s work aligns perfectly with these efforts. 

 

According to the ACLU’s Jessica Weitz, “Willy earned this ambassadorship because of his lifelong commitment to celebrating the beauty and diversity of all people.”

He played the sermon of Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, originally delivered at Trump’s inauguration / Photo Willy Chavarria
He played the sermon of Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, originally delivered at Trump’s inauguration / Photo Willy Chavarria

Art as a Catalyst for Human Dignity

Willy Chavarria has always believed in the transformative power of art. “What we do and what we say must be an act of protecting human dignity,” he said. 

 

This statement, made during his ACLU announcement, captures the ethos of his career. He continues to use fashion as a tool not just for aesthetics, but for activism and unity.

 

A Platform for the Voiceless

As xenophobia, transphobia, and anti-immigrant sentiment continue to plague political discourse, voices like Chavarria’s are more important than ever. 

 

His role with the ACLU amplifies this mission, empowering others through advocacy, design, and radical compassion.

More Than Fashion

Willy Chavarria’s role with the ACLU proves that fashion can transcend trends. It can serve as a language for justice, empathy, and truth. 

 

His commitment to marginalized communities elevates his work beyond the runway, positioning him as a cultural force to be reckoned with.

Q&A

  • What organization named Willy Chavarria an Artist Ambassador? The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
  • What rights does Chavarria aim to support through this role? He champions immigrant and LGBTQIA rights.
  • How did Chavarria use his SS26 show to address immigration issues? He opened the show with a scene symbolizing immigrant detention centers.
  • What is the ACLU’s Creatives for Freedom initiative? It unites creatives to raise awareness about threats to democracy and civil rights.

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