The Hair Behind Willy Chavarria’s SS26 Collection, “Spicy Pastels”

COMMUNITY

The Hair Behind Willy Chavarria’s SS26 Collection, “Spicy Pastels”

Softness met strength at the crown of every look in Willy Chavarria’s SS26 Collection.

Behind the scenes on set of Willy Chavarria campaign

“Spicy Pastels” signals a focused narrative where color becomes an act of rebellion and elevated tailoring honors craftsmanship at the highest level. Bold colors and sculptural silhouettes were anchored by hair that felt equally powerful, precise, and emotionally charged.

The title Spicy Pastels draws from the collection’s softened pastel palette, reimagined through Willy Chavarria’s signature sense of drama. The concept reflects the inherent “spice” that defines Latino identity – a cultural intensity expressed through color, emotion, and presence. The editorial reinterprets the atmosphere of a traditional Latin family home through Willy’s lens, where contrasting hues and the natural sensuality of the characters create subtle tension within the space, even amid moments of joy. The narrative unfolds with the heightened emotion of a Latin soap opera, serving as both celebration and homage to heritage and roots.

Oribe Session Stylist Joey George, in partnership with assistants Brian Doty and Courtney Peak, created the hair looks using the Hair Alchemy Collection and the iconic Dry Texturizing Spray, a staple in editorial styling. Focusing on volume, texture, and defined curl patterns on sculpturally styled hair, the result was modern yet referential—deeply rooted in Latin heritage, identity, and pride. Willy’s connection to Latin culture—shared by Oribe’s founder Oribe Canales—made the collaboration feel instinctive. The result was a celebration of texture and exceptional craftsmanship. Keep reading for an exclusive look at the artistry behind the lens of Willy Chavarria’s SS26 photoshoot—straight from the source.

“Spicy Pastels represents a new chapter for Casa de Chavarria,” says Willy Chavarria. “It’s about redefining luxury through honesty, embracing softness and strength at the same time. The color story feels rebellious, but also deeply personal. For me, luxury isn’t about status; it’s about intention, craftsmanship, and the courage to express who you are without compromise.”

JOEY GEORGE, ORIBE SESSION STYLIST

What is your inspiration for the looks today and how did you achieve this look?

Joey George: Willy’s collections season after season have always been the influence on hairstyling for me. One season, Willy’s design for his new clothing buttons inspired me to braid the talent’s hair in a “W” shape. After reviewing this collection and seeing the shapes, colors, and prints it reminded me of Mexican photojournalist Antonio Caballero’s Las Routes De La Passion book from the 1960s-1970s. To start, the model’s hair was washed and conditioned with Eternal Curls Moisturizing Shampoo and Intense Conditioner. My team and I used a generous amount of Hair Alchemy Fortifying Treatment Serum to prepare for heat styling. Hair was primed with Foundation Mist and Maximista, then round brush blow dried and set. Some hair was set with a 3/4” curling iron and styled using Superfine Hair Spray. To finish, the curls were deconstructed and opened up with a generous amount of Thick Dry. To add shine, we added Eternal Curls Polish & Protect Oil to the ends. For the men’s hair, we started with Gold Lust Shampoo & Conditioner and blow dried the hair using Grandiose Mousse for extra volume. The hair was then flat ironed using Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray in sections, directed away from the face towards the nape. We finished the style with Superfine Strong Hair Spray.

What is your creative process and where do you start?

JG: I start by reviewing the designer’s collection with the brand’s creative team. During this meeting I come prepared with books and creative hair concepts tested in my art studio that have a familiar identity to each brand. It is important when working with fashion brands to research! Aspiring hair artists must be passionate about reading literature, viewing artwork in museums, watching films in the cinema, listening to music, and experiencing all types of performances. It is culture that enriches and refines the talent that we bring to hairdressing.

What has it been like collaborating with Willy over the years and watching the brand grow and evolve?

JG: Willy and I met in 2020, but didn’t start collaborating until Spring of 2023. It was a “hard launch” being photographed by the iconic photographer Stefan Ruiz for W Magazine as part of Willy’s core creative team. Willy’s hair was very long back then! I cut all his hair all off and hung the ponytail in his studio as a reminder of the past & the power of transformation. The cultural messages behind each collection season after season have always been a poetic love letter to the diverse communities that love and support Willy’s dream.

What’s your favorite part of shoot days like this? Do you have a favorite piece from the collection?

JG: The best part of these creative projects are the people in which I get to share time and space with. We are one big familia; there is a lot of love.

How do these hair looks continue telling the campaign story?

JG: I hope when the public views these images they see a part of themselves, or someone familiar, in this type of story telling. My goal in creating for Willy Chavarria is to always highlight and build sophisticated characters of real people in all shapes, colors, and ages. It is a dream come true to create stories showcasing the love and culture within diverse communities.