Bridalfashion
“I love the idea of elegance and intricacy, but whether it’s in a piece of clothing or a fragrance, the intricacy must appear as simplicity,” says Carolina Herrera, the 2004 CFDA winner of “Womenswear Designer of the Year,” of the esthetic sense that has driven her during her 27 years as a fashion designer. “I think that standard has served me well; women seem to love my clothes. I am extremely grateful for the success that they have given me.”
Spoken without a stitch of ego, the statement reveals a great deal about Carolina Herrera. Her entirely straightforward approach toward her business -- which Herrera founded after being prompted by fashion legend Diana Vreeland and her great friend, the late Count Rudi Crespi -- is perfectly balanced by her fully impassioned feelings towards her parents; her husband Reinaldo Herrera; her four daughters, Mercedes, Ana Luisa, Carolina and Patricia; the family house in Venezuela, La Vega, built in 1590, and of course, her dogs, Gaston, Gaspar and Olivia. Carolina oversees an international design firm that encompasses her signature fashion collection, a bridal collection, fragrances and accessories. Sales extend around the world (U.S., South America, Europe, the Middle East and the Far East). “I started doing this because I loved fashion,” she says. “But I had no idea what it would turn into. I can only say that I am very lucky my mother instilled such discipline and structure in my life!”
Herrera, born in Caracas, Venezuela, descends from a long line of Venezuelan landowners and statesmen. The designer is animated by her affection for her parents, Guillermo and Maria Cristina Pacanins, admitting that she is “spoiled as far as men’s looks are concerned” because her father was so dashing. She refers with love to her mother’s “sophisticated aura.” “She was very strict, but not in a loud way,” Herrera adds. “There was a time and place for everything. I have carried this idea with me all my life.”
That noble sensitivity, combined with a slightly wicked charm, enabled Herrera to make the transition from her halcyon days as a chic and renowned beauty on the international scene -- where she spent days with royals and nights with the Warhol crowd -- to a designer with such talent and business acumen that she could not be ignored.
After receiving a positive reaction to a fashion collection she created in 1980 as “a test,” she moved with her family to New York from Caracas in 1981 and formed Carolina Herrera, Ltd. Her exquisitely detailed, expertly crafted creations were an immediate success. Chic, sophisticated women all over the world turned to Herrera’s label for the type of impeccable suits, dresses and gowns that she instinctively knew how to design -- the legacy of having grown up in a world where women wore only couture. Herrera herself had attended her first couture show, that of Cristobal Balenciaga, at the age of 13 with her grandmother. In 1987 Herrera expanded her business with the launch of her first fragrance, Carolina Herrera, a heady and romantic blend of the tuberose and jasmine essences she had always worn. A men’s fragrance, Carolina Herrera for Men, emerged in 1991.
In 1994, Herrera debuted her third scent-- the floral Floré. For her latest endeavor, Herrera credits her daughter Carolina as muse and collaborator in her newest fragrances, 212 and 212 MEN, launched in 1997 and 1999. These fresh, sensual fragrances resonate a cosmopolitan and fascinating reflection of the modern world. CHIC, the newest fragrance from this collaboration, appeared in 2001. The ultracontemporary prism bottle design is a tribute to modern art and freedom of expression. Herrera states that “light and color are basic elements in all my creations. Their shapes and colors are both classic and modern, inspired by contemporary American art”. 2 years later, in 2003, Carolina is born; a young and modern scent that’s highly reminiscent of more classic fragrances. A result of new challenges, fresh inspiration, and close mother-daughter collaboration, 212 Sexy debuted in 2004; a fragrance that maintains the essence of 212, with a warm and sensual tone, the masculine counterpart arrived in 2006, 212 Sexy MEN. And in 2005, inspired by the elegant, masculine and confident man, Carolina Herrera created Herrera Aqua, a fresh, sensual fragrance. In a business climate that says “keep going, or die,” Herrera thrives.
Herrera also designs and manufactures a successful and innovative eyewear collection. The finest stores sell her fashion and fragrances worldwide. The first Carolina Herrera flagship store opened in the fall of 2000 on Madison Avenue in a 4-story landmark building. Herrera’s sense of elegance, luxury and sophisticated modernity is captured in its carefully designed interior. Also, recently, July 2006, opened Los Angeles Boutique at exclusive Melrose Place. The design and décor of this west coast flagship store, which boasts 3800 square feet of space, mirrors the same sense of elegance, luxury and sophisticated modernity that is captured in the Madison Avenue boutique.
She also launched in year 2001 her Fashion 2nd Line, CH Carolina Herrera, with free-standing stores in Europe, Mexico, and United States; in Coral Gables (Florida), Manhasset (New York) Las Vegas, Houston, South Coast Plaza (Dallas); and recently in Dubai (Arab Emirates). All CH Carolina Herrera stores are based on the creation of a beautiful space that is both evocative and welcoming with the use of simple, elegant and sophisticated materials. “With my clothing and fragrances,” says Herrera, “I think it’s best to be realistic, but to always mix a bit of fantasy with reality. It’s the same with life, really.”
Quick, Easy and Free! Contact hundreds of companies in seconds... on WeddingRequest.com
Bruidsmode, bridal fashion, mode de mariage, Brautkleider, brautmode, ropa noche.
