To mark the presentation of its latest collection, the New York-based fashion house chose to highlight several female personalities who have shaped the world of art.
Artists, muses, patrons, gallery owners, curators, and collectors—women inspired Carolina Herrera's latest show, held on February 12 in New York's Meatpacking District. Among them were painter Amy Sherald, known for her portrait of Michelle Obama for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery; French-American artist Anh Duong; photographer Ming Smith; sculptor Rachel Feinstein; painter Eliza Douglas; and gallery owner Hannah Traore. Another prominent figure in the art world also seems to inhabit this collection: art patron and collector Peggy Guggenheim, particularly through silk faille capes, typical of this American icon's style.
Among the other key pieces and elements were exaggerated shoulders, cocoon coats, puff-sleeved blazers, and sleek pencil skirts. The classic Carolina Herrera shirt, reimagined by designer Wes Gordon, was transformed into an artist's blouse, available in black or white. But don't worry, color was definitely present, with plenty of forest green, sky blue, and chili red. Print enthusiasts appreciated a leopard jacquard, lily motifs, and organza adorned with poppies. Evening wear featured sequins, knits, and luminous gold coats and dresses. Some of these were crafted from rectangular sequins, reminiscent of the tones used by artist Agnes Martin in her work. Friendship.
As for accessories, iconic bags from the brand are making a comeback, such as the Mimi or KarlitaFor the occasion, the first one is reinvented with graphic black and white leopard prints, adorned with a refined bow on the shoulder strap, available in plum purple, black and forest green. As for the KarlitaIt is the evening bag of the season, especially in the chili red color. Finally, lily-shaped brooches and solid gold necklaces and earrings complete the collection. This collection clearly reflects the commitment of the house founded in 1981 by Carolina Herrera, through The Carolina Herrera For Women in the Arts Initiative, a platform that supports women working in various artistic disciplines. Moreover, the brand is keen to point out that it was because a certain Diana Vreeland, the famous journalist of Harper's Bazaar and VogueIt was through her belief in her that the designer was able to launch her career. Carolina Herrera sought to replicate this gesture by awarding scholarships in partnership with prestigious institutions such as the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Italy, and by supporting exhibitions at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid. In short, a necessary partnership that finds its most poetic expression on the catwalk.
