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Who Is Carolina Herrera?
Carolina Herrera is a renowned fashion designer who was born and raised in Venezuela. She established her fashion house in New York City and became a U.S. citizen in 2009. Despite lacking formal training prior to her debut runway show in 1981, Herrera has achieved significant success across women’s and men’s fashion, as well as fragrances and other areas. Today, her company boasts a global presence with numerous stores and substantial sales figures. Her signature aesthetic features impeccably tailored white blouses, often elegantly paired with ballgown skirts.
Early Life
Carolina Herrera, born María Carolina Josefina Pacanins y Niño on January 8, 1939, in Caracas, Venezuela, enjoyed a privileged upbringing. As one of four daughters of Guillermo Pacanins and María Cristina Niño, she was immersed in a distinguished family environment. Her father, an accomplished figure, served as an air force officer, governor of Caracas, and Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During her childhood, Herrera was educated by a governess who imparted English and French language skills. Her early interests included tennis, horseback riding, and ballet, rather than fashion. “When I was growing up, I was more into my horses and tennis than fashion,” Herrera noted.
Despite her early preoccupation with other activities, fashion subtly influenced her life. At the age of 13, Herrera attended a Balenciaga runway show with her grandmother. By the age of 14 or 15, she designed a black dress inspired by the cinematic styles of the 1930s and 1940s, though her parents chose not to let her wear it.
Marriages and Children
At the age of 18, Herrera married Guillermo Behrens-Tello. The couple had two daughters, Mercedes and Ana Luisa, before their divorce at Herrera’s age of 24.
In 1968, Herrera married Don Reinaldo Herrera Guevara. Together, they had two additional daughters, Patricia and Carolina.
International Figure
Herrera’s second husband inherited the title of Marquis of Torre Casa, though he chose not to use it. Professionally, he was a journalist and led a cosmopolitan lifestyle alongside Herrera.
Their social engagements included visits to Princess Margaret in England, attendance at Costume Institute galas at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and socializing with friends in the South of France and Paris. In 1976, Herrera met photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and became one of his subjects, frequently appearing on best-dressed lists.
New York City was one of Herrera’s favorite destinations, where she enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the renowned nightclub Studio 54. During one of these outings, she had her portrait painted by Andy Warhol. Warhol, captivated by the bejeweled clutch Herrera was carrying, offered to create a silkscreen portrait of her in exchange for the bag.
Reflecting on the era, Herrera remarked in a 2016 interview, “That was so much fun, New York in the Seventies. You were surrounded by a plethora of creative individuals—artists, actors, actresses, musicians, and writers. Social gatherings were a blend of talent from various fields. It was an exhilarating experience. I loved it.”
Launch of Herrera’s Fashion Career
In 1980, Carolina Herrera and her husband relocated to New York, where she conceived the idea of designing fabrics. When she discussed this concept with her friend Diana Vreeland, then editor of Vogue, Vreeland suggested a more exciting alternative: “Why don’t you do a collection of dresses? It’s much more fun.”
Despite having brief employment with Pucci in Caracas during the 1960s and lacking formal design training, Herrera possessed a keen eye for style and valuable connections. Armando de Armas, the owner of a prominent magazine publishing firm, agreed to support her venture, while designer Bill Blass provided guidance on runway presentation.
In 1981, Herrera debuted her first fashion show at New York’s Metropolitan Club. She initially believed it would be a one-time effort, but instead, she secured orders from prestigious retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Although the media response was lukewarm, with some critics labeling her a dilettante or questioning her motives, Herrera remained undeterred.
Her designs found favor with influential clients, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who became a devoted patron. For Caroline Kennedy’s 1986 wedding, Herrera designed both the mother-of-the-bride dress and the bride’s gown, which was adorned with appliqué shamrocks.
Becoming a Successful Global Brand
Carolina Herrera’s journey began with the launch of her first perfume in 1988. Recognizing the significant impact that fragrances can have on a designer’s visibility, she encouraged fellow designers to seize the opportunity to introduce their own scents, noting that such ventures expand their global reach. In 1995, Herrera’s company was acquired by Puig, a Spanish conglomerate that had collaborated with her on various fragrance lines, though Herrera continued as the creative director.
The introduction of the CH Carolina Herrera line in 2008 marked a shift towards more casual, everyday designs. Today, Herrera’s brand encompasses menswear, womenswear, children’s apparel, accessories, a home collection, and a diverse range of fragrances, all of which are available in stores worldwide.
Herrera has consistently advocated for a balanced approach to work. She has expressed the belief that achieving success does not necessitate overtime, which she views as counterproductive and potentially exhausting. “You should be able to accomplish your tasks within regular hours,” she stated in 1994.
As her company evolved, Herrera’s two younger daughters joined the business. Patricia became a key member of the design team, working on special projects, while Carolina took on the role of creative director for fragrances. Herrera remarked in 2013, “Having your children in the company is quite beneficial; they provide honest feedback about what works and what doesn’t.”
In 2018, Herrera transitioned from her role as creative director to that of global brand ambassador, with Wes Gordon succeeding her in the creative director position, a move she supported and endorsed.
Accomplishments
Hernández’s designs have been showcased by a number of prominent figures, including Laura Bush, Renée Zellweger, Tina Fey, Lady Gaga, Lucy Liu, and Taylor Swift. Notably, Herrera also created the wedding dress for the film Breaking Dawn – Part 1, part of the Twilight series.
In recognition of her contributions to the fashion industry, the Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded Herrera the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.