Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

1 5 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I With this season’s collection, Mrs Herrera strives to teach us all that elegance is never overrated. The collection is a new approach to refined fashion but does not baulk at pushing the limits of design into a new territory of sophistication and chic, with classic gowns incorporating acrylic embroidery, mohair and a rich gradient of blues and browns, inspired by both the earth and the ocean. Her ability to make colours dance is clear here, a striking red on the runway to provide a refreshing visual balance for the eye. However, here her success lies in silhouettes; each look has a special, unique and striking manner all of its own; whether a flattering curve or boxy, oversized coats, the sleek and graceful look is never lost amongst the lineup of stunning organza gowns, chevron patterned coats, soft cuts and fur accents. Venezuelan-born Carolina Herrera, now 76, has long been lauded as an icon of the industry, having being named as Womenswear Designer of the Year in 2004 - a woman whose collections have been described by The New York Times as ‘elegant and worldly without ever being fussy’. Mrs Herrera has certainly lived up to this once again with a collection that will see her reputation as a stalwart of fashion for a long while to come. She has succeeded in the fashion industry by resisting the urge to be ‘cool’, she does not try to be ‘different’ or ‘edgy’, but consistently surprises her customer base with creations that are fresh and new. Always pushing the boundaries with her juxtaposition of classic and modern, Mrs Herrera has remained at the helm of her eponymous label for decades, receiving steady and constant acclaim for her creations - proving each season that with sensibility partnered with classic femininity and a concentration on all things contemporary, something wonderful can be created and maintained forever. She refuses to remain stationary, however, and is always on the lookout for what is new and what is wonderful, something to give to the world before it even knows it wants it. What else can be expected from a designer whose name is often mentioned with the likes of de la Renta and Wang? “You must always keep your eyes open,” she has said. “Beauty has a way of finding you that way.” She is a designer who is not looking back, not dwelling on past missteps or even her victories, she is looking ahead and always creating something new. "I don't do years," the designer said, aloof as ever, before revealing this season’s collection to the world. "I'm trying to go to the future."