Carolina Herrera’s Fall Winter 2023-2024 collection, inspired by the historical drama ‘The Empress’ on Netflix, was a celebration of romance and precision under the direction of designer Wes Gordon. Despite recently becoming a father for the second time, Gordon confidently presented a collection filled with sumptuous and opulent pieces.
The show opened with models entering like debutantes from the stage before descending stairs into the show space, setting a grand tone. Gordon aimed to highlight the craftsmanship of the collection, featuring rich fabrics and layers of tulle. The costumes in “The Empress” served as a major inspiration, blending military discipline with opulence.
Gordon introduced blocks of color, including a sleeveless shell, straight skirt, and sash in citrine, pink, and red, providing a chic and refreshing contrast in the mostly neutral collection. The standout pieces were the topiary tulle gowns in black-and-white stripes and canary yellow, featuring voluminous layers of tulle and bold stripes that were sure to make a splash on social media. Another highlight was a winter white jacket and short skirt suit with jeweled embroidery, adding opulence to a simple silhouette.
The collection also showcased gowns made from a beautiful woven chine fabric in lilac and evergreen damask, highlighting its versatility. From a traditional draped column dress with a shoulder sash to a sportier hooded anorak gown with a billowy skirt, the textile was used in various ways. Despite the challenges of welcoming a new baby and moving, Gordon delivered a collection that was elevated and luxurious, showcasing his talent for blending discipline and drama in the most elegant way.
