Carolina Herrera, the renowned fashion house, showcased its Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 23-24 Collection at New York Fashion Week. The collection featured a diverse range of cuts, designs, and colors, staying true to the brand’s signature elegance and iconic style. The inspiration behind this season’s collection, as stated in the press release, was the fascinating contrast between discipline and grandeur embodied by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as “Sisi.” Described as an influential figure who fearlessly defied conventions and embraced beauty and drama, Sisi served as the starting point for the collection’s unapologetic celebration of elegance and luxury While the collection displayed an abundance of Italian influences in its style and color palette, the Austrian inspiration seemed elusive. The collection showcased classic black and white ensembles, along with voluminous tutus that have become commonplace in New York fashion. One can’t help but wonder where the original identity of the brand was in this collection.
Carolina Herrera presented a fabulous array of items for the Fall/Winter 2023-2024 season. The fashion show unveiled the latest previews of Carolina Herrera women’s clothing, including skirts, jackets, coats, trousers, outerwear, shirts, dresses, and knitwear, all complemented by bags, shoes, and accessories. The collection showcased fresh designs featuring elements like buttons, pockets, zippers, embroidery, seams, and vibrant themes. New York designers have taken different approaches to the current fashion landscape. While some opt for understatement and austerity, others, like Wes Gordon of Carolina Herrera, choose to respond with color, vivacity, and joy. Gordon, appreciating the brand’s long-standing promise of making women feel beautiful and happy, creates entrance-making designs that blur the boundaries between day and night. The Plaza Ballroom served as the backdrop for the show, where models descended the staircase with grace and elegance. Gordon’s collection struck the right chord with its blend of vibrant colors, floral prints, and luxurious fabrics. While some sculpted tulle creations added eccentricity to the collection, Gordon’s expertise in combining discipline, severity, and flamboyance shone through.
The Carolina Herrera woman, embodying a modern Empress, confidently embraces beauty and glamour, inspired by the likes of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. The collection features dresses with portrait necklines, romantic spiral folds, sumptuous velvet, and taffeta fabrics adorned with gold embroidery, meticulous constructions, and drapes. Daywear pieces, such as the iconic white cotton shirt and sequin tweed dress, exude strength and presence. Opulence is skillfully balanced with modernity, showcased through effortless floor-length knit dresses adorned with Swarovski crystals and dramatic hooded anorak gowns in decadent woven chiné. The Fall/Winter 2023 collection by Carolina Herrera captures the essence of a modern Empress, paying homage to the brand’s dedication to beauty and glamour.
