It was never just about clothes.
When I was growing up in a small town, the name Carolina Herrera was whispered like a secret spell. Her designs felt untouchable—elegant, powerful, distant. The only piece of her world I could hold was a tiny perfume sample, tucked inside a glossy magazine, that I guarded like treasure.
Years later, standing on the 48th floor of the Solow Building, looking out over Central Park, surrounded by ranunculus flowers rising from the concrete… I realized I had stepped into that dream.
This past season, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the Carolina Herrera show during New York Fashion Week through a very special Vogue opportunity. The experience was nothing short of surreal—royal, glamorous, elevated—and deeply emotional in ways I hadn’t expected. This wasn’t just a fashion show. It was a story. And somehow, I found myself written into it.
A Fashion Feast Among Icons
From the moment I arrived, the energy was unmistakable: this wasn’t just another show—this was Carolina Herrera. Every guest felt like a VIP, and every outfit was curated with reverence. Think timeless glamour, with touches of bold color and bohemian softness—exactly the kind of high-low contrast that makes fashion sing.
The venue itself—the Solow Building’s 48th floor—was pure poetry. The space was minimal and raw, yet ethereal. Delicate ranunculus blooms seemed to grow right out of the cement floors, surrounding the runway in soft, organic color. The view of Central Park from that height added a sense of lightness, like the entire show was floating above the city.
It was, truly, a fashion feast. For my eye, my soul, and my inner little girl who once clung to a perfume sample.
Dressing for the Dream
For a moment like this, my look had to feel personal — but also powerful. I wanted to create a ladylike silhouette with a creative twist, using texture, color, and contrast to tell a visual story.
The centerpiece was a Carolina Herrera Ombré Paillette Midi Skirt from the Resort 2025 Collection. Its marigold-to-orange gradient shimmered with movement and life. I paired it with a structured Jil Sander cape-effect wool-blend coat, inspired by mid-century couture silhouettes, for elegance with architectural edge.
Color theory guided the rest: a bold blue fitted shirt, paired with red Wolford tights and vintage red suede pumps, brought balance and a split-complementary harmony. A Mansur Gavriel Bon Bon bag in a soft neutral added levity, and Tory Burch red fruit earrings gave a whimsical, polished finish.
I layered texture—sequins, wool, cotton, suede—to add richness and depth. The final look was both timeless and modern, structured and fluid. Just how I like it.
Meeting Legends
What came next still feels like a dream.
I met Carolina Herrera.
I had brought a bouquet of ranunculus flowers—just in case I got the chance to meet her—and to my shock, the moment actually happened. As I expressed my admiration and respect, I felt a rush of emotion I wasn’t prepared for. Photographers clicked around us, but I was caught in my own quiet joy. Tears welled up, and I let them. That moment was mine.
And then came a highlight I had been looking forward to: an interview with Julia Hobbs, Senior Fashion Editor at Vogue UK.
“It was everything I expected and more—the craftsmanship, the silhouettes, the movement. Herrera’s work isn’t just about beauty. It’s about confidence, presence, storytelling. That’s what I try to bring into my own styling practice too.”
As if the day hadn’t already been magic, I also met Luke Meagher, fashion critic and creator of Haute le Mode. I’ve admired his voice for so long. In person, he was humble, sweet, and so open—and though I was nervous and a bit awkward, it felt amazing to connect with someone I truly respect in the industry.
More Than a Show—A Masterclass in Style
The collection itself was designed by Wes Gordon, the Creative Director of Carolina Herrera, and it captured everything I’ve long admired about the brand: powerful elegance, bold femininity, and unapologetic presence. It wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it was a confident reaffirmation of the house’s DNA, elevated by bohemian textures and silhouettes that felt like modern-day royalty.
What made this experience so powerful wasn’t just the show—it was the way it all connected. From the venue and styling, to the people and pacing, it felt like a masterclass in presence and polish.
And for me as a stylist, being there was invaluable. To see a collection live, in motion, in context—to hear the crowd’s response, to feel the fabric move, to observe the emotional textures people attach to fashion—that kind of experience shapes how I work. It sharpens my eye. It fuels my intuition. It allows me to bring something richer and more layered to my clients.
A Final Word
This show reminded me why I do what I do. It brought together memory and movement, past and present, aspiration and reality. And it reminded me that style isn’t just about looking good—it’s about showing up fully. About stepping into the spaces that once felt out of reach, and claiming your place with grace.
I’ll never forget this day. And I’ll never stop being grateful for the chance to turn a tiny perfume sample into a moment like this.
Thank you, Carolina.
Thank you, Vogue.And thank you to everyone who dreams in color and dresses with intention.
