Your Favorite Beauties Walked Front Row at Willy Chavarria’s SS25 Show – Essence

With the 2024 presidential election just months away (and the first Harris-Trump debate just days away), one of New York’s hottest designers, Willy Chavarria, gave us a seat at the table for his Spring/Summer 2025 show. Held in the city’s Financial District, across from the Trump Building and the New York Stock Exchange, his latest collection, “América,” references both traditional codes and the beauty of diverse humanity.

From Grace Jones-esque bobs to barbed-wire braids to a masculine skin finish with leather eyeliner, the 65 giant looks showcase the unity of minority communities. “It feels like the diversity we would like to see around the table here in America,” hairstylist Joey George tells ESSENCE.

In the first part of the show, Willy Chavarria presented his main collection, which featured more polished and classic looks. “Square shapes and some pompadours, hairstyles inspired by the 40s,” George explains, referring to the telenovela actor Cantinflas. Using Oribe’s Maximista Thickening Spray as a base layered over their Rough Luxury Soft Modeling Paste, he set the sculpted shape with Superfine Strong Hair Spray.

For the second half, which debuted their new collaboration with Adidas, a darker vibe invited athletes to the podium, like Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles and WNBA star Betnijah Laney, which coincided with some bolder, more athletic beauty moments.

“The natural, fresh makeup contrasts with the overall theme of the collection and the complexities that represent American identity,” says makeup artist Kuma, using products like ADDICTION TOYKO’s Glow Stick in a light pink shade and a taupe-beige blush. “We went for a masculine, simple look, while still highlighting the skin’s natural finish.”

The eyes, which are a gateway to the soul of our country, were also at the heart of the collection. “I used The Gel Eyeliner in Vintage Leather 002 for a defined smoky eye,” says Kuma, which he enhanced with a coat of Mascara Primer Curler Fixer on the lashes. “The hairstylists, makeup artists and designer collaborated to create a cohesive look,” he says. “The clothes are the focal point of the show, with the beauty look acting as a complement.”

Meanwhile, the front row of stars included beauties like Doechii, who sported a smokey eye and glossy lips. Meanwhile, Tracee Ellis Ross’s usual glow was paired with a red lip and a brightening smile. And Ciara? A curly, Whitney Houston-esque bob and chocolate lips got us ready for fall’s beauty looks.