Chalhoub Group Invests in Willy Chavarria: A New Era for Luxury Fashion
Published
October 15, 2025
In a significant move within the luxury fashion sector, Chalhoub Group, a prominent luxury conglomerate in the Gulf region, has acquired a minority stake in Willy Chavarria, a celebrated New York-based fashion brand. This strategic investment, finalized last month, aligns Chalhoub Group with Fae Fashion Ventures, a creative brand incubator co-founded by music industry veterans Sarah Stennett and David Grinberg, who initially invested in Chavarria in early 2024.
A Strategic Partnership
Chalhoub Group’s investment is seen as a pivotal step in Willy Chavarria’s global expansion. The conglomerate, which operates around 950 stores and manages over 400 international brands in luxury, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle sectors, aims to leverage its extensive market experience to support the brand’s growth. In an official statement, Chalhoub Group emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This investment underscores the Group’s commitment to backing scalable, high-potential brands with strong cultural relevance and visionary leadership.”
The terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the partnership is expected to facilitate Willy Chavarria’s entry into key markets, including Europe and Asia, while also supporting new creative projects. This aligns with Chalhoub Group’s broader strategy of nurturing emerging luxury brands through venture capital and strategic acquisitions.
The Legacy of Chalhoub Group
Founded over 70 years ago, Chalhoub Group has established itself as a leader in luxury retail across the Middle East. The company has a rich history of brand building and market expansion, which it will now apply to enhance Willy Chavarria’s international presence. The group’s expertise in distribution and value creation is expected to be instrumental in helping Chavarria navigate the complexities of global markets.
Willy Chavarria: A Unique Voice in Fashion
Co-founded in 2015 by Willy Chavarria and David Ramirez, the brand has quickly become a significant player in the fashion industry, known for its bold tailoring and socially conscious narratives. Chavarria’s designs often reflect his personal journey, drawing from his Mexican and Irish heritage and his experiences growing up in a modest Californian farming community. His background informs his work, which frequently intertwines fashion with cultural and political themes.
Chavarria made a notable debut at Paris Fashion Week in January 2025, showcasing a collection that featured models like Indya Moore and Paloma Elsesser. The show was marked by a powerful message, including a recorded speech from Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, critiquing former President Trump’s policies on inclusivity. This blend of fashion and activism has positioned Chavarria as a leading voice in the next generation of luxury.
Expanding Horizons
The partnership with Chalhoub Group is expected to accelerate Willy Chavarria’s growth trajectory. Since aligning with Fae Fashion Ventures, the brand has tripled its wholesale distributors and secured partnerships with major retailers. Collaborations with brands like Adidas and Don Julio have further solidified its presence in the market.
Stennett, co-founder of Fae Fashion Ventures, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Chalhoub Group onto the board of Willy Chavarria to add their expertise in scaling growth businesses.” This sentiment reflects a shared vision of merging retail, brand experience, and cultural expression, which is increasingly vital in today’s fashion landscape.
Cultural Relevance and Future Aspirations
Chalhoub Group’s Chief Investment Officer, Zahra Kassim-Lakha, highlighted the cultural significance of Chavarria’s work, stating, “Willy Chavarria is a designer who represents the evolving face of luxury, rooted in culture, identity, and community.” This partnership is not merely a financial investment; it is a commitment to supporting brands that embody strong values and distinctive voices.
Chavarria’s accolades, including being a finalist for the Woolmark Prize in 2019 and winning the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in 2022, underscore his impact on the fashion industry. His recognition as a two-time CFDA American Menswear Designer of the Year further cements his status as a transformative figure in contemporary fashion.
The Broader Implications
The collaboration between Chalhoub Group, Fae Fashion Ventures, and Willy Chavarria reflects a broader trend in the luxury fashion industry, where cultural narratives and social consciousness are becoming increasingly important. As consumers demand more from brands-expecting them to take stands on social issues-partnerships like this one are likely to shape the future of fashion.
Tony Olson, founder of Webster Capital, which also joins this investment round, noted, “Willy Chavarria resonates with our Experience-Memory-Emotion (EME) investment vertical, in that his message and brand are rewriting cultural narratives.” This perspective highlights the growing recognition that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about storytelling and cultural impact.
Conclusion
Chalhoub Group’s investment in Willy Chavarria marks a significant milestone in the luxury fashion landscape, combining retail expertise with a commitment to cultural relevance. As the brand prepares to expand its reach into new markets, it stands at the forefront of a movement that values inclusivity, identity, and community. This partnership not only promises to elevate Willy Chavarria’s profile but also sets a precedent for how luxury brands can engage with broader societal issues, ultimately reshaping the future of fashion.
