Bold, self assured, and full of fire—these are the words at the top of the brand’s Fall/Winter 2022 show notes. There couldn’t be more perfect words to describe the work of Carolina Herrera.
Alessandro Lucioni via Vogue
Wes Gordon, the brand’s creative director, noted that the Carolina Herrera woman celebrates each moment—and wants pieces that allow her to do just that. For their latest collection at New York Fashion Week, the house set to define glamour in the context of the pandemic. While the world is slowly returning to the idea of dressing up, the Herrera house embraces it fully, and brings its customers a playful yet elegant selection of new-age glamour.
Gordon reimagines classic pieces with a whimsical edge. A white button-up was skin-tight, almost binder-like, and tucked into a ballgown skirt—an ode to Carolina Herrera herself. Ball gowns were colour blocked: mango yellow against black and pale purple, and sharp, linear drapes of blues coincided with each other. It was a playful, optimistic take on luxury and the mystique of Hollywood-like gowns. Coats were redesigned with exaggerated sleeves and shoulders. Jewels were sewn onto tweed dresses and capes were worn with charming statement necklaces. Patterns were bright, colourful, and jocose; sequins, ruffles, and tulle were recurring elements in Gordon’s designs.
Alessandro Lucioni via Vogue
Speaking of recurring elements—bows were a favourite for Gordon this season. They were sewn onto tweed suits and mini dresses; they were paired with thigh-high boots and sweet lace-up flats, interpreting the same element in different styles. A sweet pink dress was adorned with a series of bows across the side, which even acted as straps for the dress.
Alessandro Lucioni via Vogue
Before the collection came to a crescendo, a series of bright pink and purple pieces brought home elements of Valentine’s Day. Then, four romantic tulle dresses closed out the show, one after another. First, a bright red dress with a tulle top that fanned out above the collar; then, a black dress with a tulle bubble skirt, a pink high-low tulle ballgown, and an ink-blue and black tulle ensemble.
Alessandro Lucioni for Vogue
“She needs ease, modernity, and cool, but she also needs spectacular,” said Gordon, describing the Carolina Herrera woman. This season’s collection continues to revive the elements of playful dress-up and dreamlike glamour—elements that are characteristic of the house. For the Herrera woman, bravery never goes out of style; she wants magic. And this collection serves as the perfect ode to her.
Published by HOLR Magazine