Golden Zipper: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Carolina Herrera

Sure, I have covered Carolina Herrera's collections for years, via Style.com or NY Mag, but seeing these elegant creations come down the runway was on an entirely different level. Beautiful pleats, exquisite embellishments, and show-stopping fur detailing was found throughout Herrera's Fall 2011 collection. And the movers and shakers of the fashion community were there in full support. The Lincoln Center theatre was a packed house. I felt honored to be in attendance with Grace Coddington, Joe Zee, Robbie Myers, Miss J. Alexander and Nina Garcia. Christina Hendricks (and let me just say gorgeous) and Gabrielle Union sat front row, clearly pleased with the looks of the runway.

Grace Coddington Arriving At Carolina Herrera

Joe Zee Arriving at Carolina Herrera

As expected, Carolina showcased clothing for the elegant woman. Before the show, the designer remarked, "sometimes you get carried away and are inspired by the moon or the stars or a book that you're reading," however we felt that this collection was incredibly focused, with few lofty, starry eyed mistakes. Classic and conservative cocktail and formal pieces walked down the runway in a wide variety of neutrals, hints of reds, and beautiful muddy prints. Fantastic separates, including sharp jackets with perfectly placed fur detailing assuredly made it every buyer's list. The introduction of teal in the latter part of the show didn't seem to mesh with the rest of the collection, marking the only "flop" in the entire presentation. As always, there were a handful of classic Carolina Herrera-esque pieces, undoubtedly designed with a personal event in mind..but it would be a C.H. show without these signature looks. Two pieces prior to the final look was by far my favorite in the collection. A gorgeously sleek gown of gold with a minimal, sheer black overlay and metallic embellishments, this piece will undoubtedly be seen on the red carpet.

Christina Hendricks Being Interviewed After The Show

Shortly after exiting the theatre, I was asked if I thought Carolina Herrera was a "Top Ten Show."An interesting question, but without hesitation, I exclaimed, "definitely, when it comes to the elegant woman." My heart with always belong to the fashion forward Marcs and Phillips of the world, but Carolina's collection is graceful and sophisticated. Her pieces will once again be flying off the shelves and into the arms of her polished clientele. Herrera has a rare ability to stay modern and fresh while simultaneously remaining elegantly classic, and I am honored to have seen her Fall 2011 collection up close and personal.