Ahead of New York Fashion Week, designer Willy Chavarria has announced a collaboration with Tequila Don Julio. The new Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino Artist Edition Bottle continues a longstanding partnership between the designer and spirits house, marking a shared reverence for Mexico and its culture.
The iconic Don Julio 70 Añejo bottle is meticulously designed in stark black illustrations and glass reliefs of imagery inspired by the Día de Muertos holiday. Chavarria tapped into memories of growing up in the San Joaquin Valley of California, alongside his love of art and design, to imagine an artist edition that radiates the dynamic spirit of Mexico. To learn more about the project, which goes on sale next week, as well as his forthcoming spring/summer 2025 collection, Whitewall caught up with Chavarria.
The Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino Artist Edition bottle with Willy Chavarria, photo by Diego Bendezu.
The Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino Artist Edition bottle with Willy Chavarria, photo by Diego Bendezu.
WHITEWALL: Your eponymous brand embodies a distinct aesthetic. How would you describe that?
WILLY CHAVARRIA: My aesthetic is a blend of elegance, realism amplified, and cultural storytelling. My design incorporates voluminous silhouettes, dramatic proportions, and strong, clean lines, which are influenced by streetwear and my own Mexican-American heritage.
WW: What does your brand embrace or exude? What is its ethos?
WC: WILLY CHAVARRIA exudes a sense of strength, confidence, and defiance. A belief that social justice and human dignity are at the core of what we as humans treasure.
Willy Chavarria and Don Julio Celebrate Mexican Culture
The Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino Artist Edition bottle with Willy Chavarria, photo by Diego Bendezu.
The Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino Artist Edition bottle with Willy Chavarria, photo by Diego Bendezu.
WW: Tell us a bit about your partnership with Don Julio—a longstanding collaboration. Why was the brand one you wanted to work with?
WC: I had the pleasure of working with Tequila Don Julio last year to help launch their first Global campaign ‘Por Amor’ that celebrated Mexico’s rich culture and its incredible people. It was refreshing to work with a brand that truly advocates for artists and encourages partnership that feels authentic and collaborative.
This year, I’m excited to work with Tequila Don Julio in a larger capacity to share our appreciation and love for Mexican culture. Growing up Mexican-American, Tequila Don Julio was always a symbol of celebration, so it’s incredible to now put my own spin on one of their most iconic variants, Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino.
“My aesthetic is a blend of elegance, realism amplified, and cultural storytelling.”
—Willy Chavarria
WW: Soon, you’re presenting an artist edition bottle for Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino. What was the inspiration behind the designs that grace its exterior?
WC: The Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino Artist Edition features my signature roses that I’ve incorporated throughout my designs and have become a symbol for my brand, as well as my own interpretations of classic Mexican iconography from one of Mexico’s most sacred holidays, Día de Muertos. It is such a warm and celebratory tradition in Mexican culture. It is an honor to create this collaboration with the choice spirit for joyous occasions.
Willy Chavarria Taps into his Mexican Heritage for Design Inspiration
The Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino Artist Edition bottle with Willy Chavarria, photo by Diego Bendezu.
WW: Your Mexican heritage has influenced your creativity and the many ways you approach fashion and design. How so?
WC: I’ve always been deeply inspired by my Mexican heritage and the rich culture that continues to live spiritedly through my art and design. With the Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino Artist Edition I wanted to show the beautiful mix of time-honored tradition and modernization, which really represents Mexico right now.
When designing, I like to look at history. I like to see my own culture over the decades from the early 1900’s to the current styles that we share with the world. Our influence has been vast. I love to accentuate that.
“I’ve always been deeply inspired by my Mexican heritage and the rich culture that continues to live spiritedly through my art and design,”
—Will Chavarria
WW: What is your favorite way to enjoy Don Julio? Any specialty cocktails?
WC: I usually like to sip Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino neat on the rocks – it’s so smooth and has an incredibly warm flavor. Whether I’m gearing up for a runway show, or am out celebrating with my crew, Tequila Don Julio always brings the spirit of family and I love that.
Willy Chavarria at NYFW
The Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino Artist Edition bottle with Willy Chavarria, photo by Diego Bendezu.
WW: You’re gearing up to present your SS25 collection during NYFW. What can we expect? Where is the future of your label (is there a category you’d like to expand into)? The future of fashion?
WC: This season I’m excited to debut the linen capsule collection that I’ve been working on with Tequila Don Julio, inspired by the Tequila Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino Artist Edition bottle that launched today. The capsule collection will show down the runway during New York Fashion Week and celebrates this incredible partnership with Tequila Don Julio that will continue over the next few months with Mexican Independence Day and Día de Muertos.
