20th-century fashion icons: Carolina Herrera

This week let’s talk about a Latin woman who became a reference in the world of fashion. All because of her elegance and good taste.

Let’s get to know Carolina Herrera and her contributions to fashion in the 20th century.

Carolina Herrera

María Carolina Josefina Pacanis Niño, was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 8, 1939. She is the daughter of Guillermo Pacanis Acevedo, who was an aviator and governor of Caracas between 1950 and 1958. And María Cristina Niño Passios.

From an early age, she was influenced by haute couture. Her grandmother was the one who would introduce her to the designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. And taking her to his runway and wearing a design by the French brand Lanvin at her first dance.

At 30, she married the Venezuelan aristocrat Reinaldo Herrera, editor of Vanity Fair magazine. And from whom she takes her surname, making her way through the world of fashion.

In 1965, he worked as a publicist for Emilio Pucci in his boutique in Caracas.

Thus, in that same decade of the 60s, she remained close to American high society. She was a reference between events and parties in places like Studio 54. And close to characters like Andy Warhol, Bianca Jagger, and Diana Vreeland, editor of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. The latter is her mentor and would encourage her to start her career as a designer.

In the year 1971, at the age of 32, she was listed among the best-dressed women in the world.

It is in 1980, at 42 years old, when she finally decides to start her career in the fashion world. Launching her first collection that would make her an internationally recognized designer. And made her first fashion show the following year, in 1981. It was so successful that in 1982 she already had a prominent portfolio of clients. Among them were: Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia, Queen Elizabeth II, Ivana Trump, and Nancy Reagan. She also dressed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for more than a decade.

In 1982 she settled in New York, and it was in 1986 when she launched her first collection for brides. Having the task of designing the wedding dress that Carolina Kennedy would wear. This was the definitive leap in her career and, in 1988, the first perfume for both women and men.

In 2008, CH Carolina Herrera was created, with which the ready-to-wear line is imposed. This positions it in more than 140 countries, with 50 boutiques and distribution lines in 280 shopping centers.

In 2018, Carolina Herrera decides to leave her position as director and creative head of the brand to leave Wes Gordon, an American designer. He, to date, holds the position above, in charge of it.

Contributions to fashion

Carolina Herrera has maintained a design line oriented towards sophistication, simplicity, and above all, elegance. Not in vain, in the 70s, she was on the list of the best dressed in the world.

Her most iconic piece is the white shirt. She refers to it as a classic piece that should be found in every wardrobe. Due to its simplicity, it can be adapted to various situations and looks both day and night.

Her style mixes basic and standard pieces with other elegant ones. So that the total look is garments within everyone’s reach.

9 pieces that are a reference

Blouse, wide belt, and long skirt

This look defines the designer’s brand since it is characteristic of her.

We can often see her wearing this way of dressing. It has been popular even among celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker.

The basic white blouse, and ankle-length skirt, can be in bright colors or prints to contrast.

Or the classic combination of infallible black and white.

Frills

Another detail the designer uses is the mise-en-scène in some of her pieces, the ruffles.

We can find skirts, necklines, or sleeves with this feature.

This gives the pieces a striking but elegant look at the same time.

Prints

Another brand’s hallmark, Carolina Herrera, is prints in its designs.

A very characteristic one is polka dots.

Along with those of flowers, lines, and colorful abstracts, which are striking without ceasing to be sophisticated.

Flared Dresses

For the sake of minimalism, this style of clothing is also one of the brand’s must-haves.

It is not exclusive to pants but also to upper pieces. Such as blouses, both on the body and on the sleeves.

Palazzo Pants

With broad cuts, extra-long, high-waisted, pockets, and bright colors or prints, this type of pants undoubtedly contain every woman’s elegance and comfort when dressing.

Red coat

Piece immortalized by Kate Middleton, which, despite being striking, does not fall into the noisy.

And well combined, it achieves a sophisticated and very tasteful look.

Wedding dresses

Carolina Herrera and her wedding dresses are a line that has been a reference in bridal fashion.

It was one of the first to come out, with Caroline Kennedy being the first to wear one of her designs.

Perhaps her most famous model is the one the character of Bella in the Twilight movie wore. An example of her style in the design of this type of clothing.

Ballerinas

Comfort and elegance in one piece, Carolina Herrera gives it to you.

The ballerina-style shoe model is another model that the designer put on the rise, with different designs and colors for all tastes.

Perfume

Currently, her line of perfumes brings the highest income to the company, which has been manufacturing them since 1988. All the way to the present with a long list in existence. And exquisite aromas that capture the attention of both women and men.

Carolina Herrera, without a doubt, has known how to bring her designs to this beauty industry. Always giving relevance to elegant and sophisticated femininity through her creations and characteristic style over the years. For this reason, it has been, is, and will continue to be a reference for a good dress.