From the grandeur of Paris, where Haute Couture captivated us just a week ago, we move to the heart of New York for the highly anticipated Fall/Winter 2025 shows from the city’s most celebrated fashion houses. Among the must-see presentations is Carolina Herrera’s, where the brand’s founder made a stylish appearance on Monday morning alongside her daughters, Carolina Adriana and Patricia.
¡HOLA! went backstage at the latest Carolina Herrera collection, where creative director Wes Gordon shared that his inspiration came from his all-time favorite film, Being There (1979), starring Peter Sellers and Shirley MacLaine. "It tells the story of Chance, the gardener. The film's atmosphere is stunning, with breathtaking gardens in the fall and winter," Gordon explained.
"That imagery led me to envision a woman walking through Central Park on a crisp autumn day—perhaps just after a rain shower—taking a brisk stroll. There’s something terribly romantic about that scene, which became the heart of my inspiration for this collection."
The collection features a rich, autumnal jewel-tone palette that adds both sophistication and vibrancy to each design. When discussing these choices, Gordon commented, "I wanted it to be a very autumnal, rich jewel-tone color palette. So, we have these beautiful reds, these navies, these greens, and then these shots of bright blue and pink. But because we're Herrera, all those colors are super pure and rich. So, even though they may be darker, serious colors, they still have a tremendous amount of energy."
Designing a fashion collection is no small feat—it requires months of meticulous planning, a dedicated team, and a clear vision. Yet, for Gordon, it’s a deeply rewarding experience every time. “I have the best job in the world,” he shared. “I get to dream up magical things and bring them to life. So, I have the best job, and finding inspiration is pure joy.”
A collection like this doesn’t come together in a day. For the creative director of this iconic brand, teamwork is essential. “It takes many people. I have an incredible design team, a fabulous studio, and an atelier that brings these pieces to life. It requires an army,” Gordon noted. This season, his team meticulously crafted 66 breathtaking looks, each telling a unique story of growth and confidence.
So why did Gordon choose this season to focus on growth? “Because I wanted to evolve our woman this season a little bit,” he said. “I think she’s stronger, sexier, more confident than she’s ever been.” That evolution was at the core of his creative process. More than just designing beautiful garments, Gordon focused on who the Carolina Herrera woman is. “What did I focus on the most? Really thinking through who the woman was and her character, her personality, the storytelling of her. This woman who, like I said, just took a short walk to the park on a cold fall day.”
And just like that, through rich fabrics, bold colors, and exquisite craftsmanship, a vision turned into reality—a true testament to the artistry and passion behind every Carolina Herrera collection.
When asked about his favorite piece from the collection, the American designer found it difficult to choose. “Impossible question. I adore—” he began before settling on one standout look. “I adore the last look, the black cape with the crystal knit dress inside. It was really spectacular.”
A woman wearing Carolina Herrera on the street is a moment of pure joy for Gordon. While celebrities often grace red carpets in the brand’s creations, Gordon finds even greater fulfillment in everyday women embracing Herrera’s elegance. “It’s the greatest thing in the world. It’s even better than a celebrity,” he shared.
“Nothing makes me more excited than seeing a woman on the street wearing Herrera.”
And, of course, no fashion conversation is complete without mentioning the Met Gala. When asked about plans for the prestigious event, Gordon kept details under wraps, revealing only that things were still in motion. “Oh, I don’t know. We’re still at work. Still at work,” he said, keeping the mystery alive. While details remain undisclosed, one thing is certain—whatever Carolina Herrera presents is sure to be nothing short of spectacular.