Carolina Herrera is known for creating elegant clothing with lavish fabrics and intricate beading. It's all there again in her spring 2016 collection, but its toned down a bit with pink fabrics and see-through materials. She calls it "calm elegance."
"That's because I'm in my rose period," Herrera said during a presentation of her collection in her showroom in New York's Garment District. "I did it because I think pink is very flattering for women and also I've worked with transparencies but in a way that is very seductive."
While most designers chose to show their collections in the hip downtown area of Manhattan, Herrera chose the Beaux-Arts courtyard of the Frick Collection museum way on the Upper East Side. It cause a bit of grumbling amid the fashion faithful who had to rush practically the length of the island to catch the Lela Rose show soon afterward.
Herrera also showed the collection at a cocktail party in her showroom so guests could get a closer look at the fine detail of the garments. It was certainly a more civilized way to inspect her handiwork and showcase its sophisticated and optimistic nature.
Fully half of the collection covers the pink spectrum, from pale blush to a bold fuchsia, with fabrics varying from layers of feather-light organza to mesh neoprene in honeycomb textures. Peek-a-boo panels of tulle, pleated panels, petal-like pailletes, and flower appliques add pizzazz without overwhelming the tranquil nature of the collection.
"In fashion, it is important to keep a little mystery," Herrera affirmed. "I design clothes that are seductive and sensual, but I always leave something for the imagination. Fashion, after all, is about fantasy."
Carolina Herrera embellished pink gown with sheer skirt.
Inspired by more than a century of Shiner brewing tradition, the collaboration celebrates Texas heritage with apparel designed for everything from brewery patios to dance halls.Photo courtesy of Texas Standard and Shiner