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Get to Know…Carolina Herrera

Born and raised in Venezuela, an impressionable Carolina Herrera was exposed to unique cultures and beautiful fashion early on. In 1981 at 42 years young, Herrera brought a number of her designs to New York City and ultimately launched her fashion business venture with the encouragement of then Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland, debuting the first full collection at New York’s Metropolitan Club. House of Herrera designs exemplified a new era in American fashion, steering away from European influence, and in no time socialites and celebrities alike became devoted clients and friends.

Carolina Herrera launched her namesake brand in 1981, quickly gaining international attention from socialites and celebrities alike.

Carolina Herrera launched her namesake brand in 1981, quickly gaining international attention from socialites and celebrities alike.

A decade after arriving in New York, the first flagship boutique opened on Madison Avenue and 75th Street, with more stores quickly spanning across the country and worldwide. Highland Park Village was pleased to welcome the first and only Texas boutique in 2008, which became infamous for drawing shoppers in with show-stopping window displays and a full wedding salon for brides-to-be.

The New York-based fashion house includes a portfolio of ready-to-wear, bridal, eyewear and fragrance as well as accessories for women, men and children.

The New York-based fashion house includes a portfolio of ready-to-wear, bridal, eyewear and fragrance as well as accessories for women, men and children.

After 72 shows and a 37-year tenure, Herrera assumed the role of Global Brand Ambassador in 2018, appointing trusted colleague and friend, American designer, Wes Gordon as creative director. After attending Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design in London, Gordon interned with Tom Ford and Oscar de la Renta before overseeing his own design label for several years. He worked by Herrera’s side and earned the trust of her atelier team to lead the global creative strategy across all platforms including ready-to-wear, bridal and eyewear.

In 2018 Herrera assumed the role of Global Brand Ambassador, appointing American designer, Wes Gordon as creative director.

In 2018 Herrera assumed the role of Global Brand Ambassador, appointing American designer, Wes Gordon as creative director.

The Resort 2019 Collection marked Gordon’s official runway debut – with Herrera cheering him on from the front row – for the Herrera House during NYFW. Known for beautifully crafted collections and blending haute couture and craftsmanship with wear-ability, Gordon continues to design with Herrera top of mind, constructing garments for confident women like herself who are not afraid to make a vibrant statement.

A graduate of Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design in London, Gordon designs garments for confident women who are not afraid to make a vibrant statement.

A graduate of Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design in London, Gordon designs garments for confident women who are not afraid to make a vibrant statement.

Gordon’s philosophy on the Herrera brand is that it’s not one for wallflowers, but for the bold and exuberant. He continues to breathe life, fantasy and a youthful energy into his collections through striking colors, big prints and detailed embroidery with one goal in mind – to brighten days and evoke smiles.

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Gordon’s Fall 2019 Collection incorporates garden pallets, big brushstrokes of color and extreme proportions inspired by photographer Robert Mapplethrope.

Inspired by photographer Robert Mapplethrope’s – who took many portraits of Carolina Herrera – floral stills and the world’s natural beauty, Gordon’s Fall 2019 Collection incorporates garden pallets and fun experimentation. Big brushstrokes of color are met with extreme proportions, while azure tulle is unexpectedly embroidered with playful florals. Earthy shades of chiffon are contrasted with statements of “taxi cab” yellows and shocking pinks to create a more youthful effect. Gordon’s elegant interpretation of florals take shape in grand, formless silhouettes that move with ease.

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To explore the latest fall collection or schedule a bridal appointment, visit the Carolina Herrera boutique at Highland Park Village.

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