-By Ankita Dutta.
Carolina Herrera, the American fashion house, made its first-ever debut outside of the New York fashion scene in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. The all-Brazilian lineup of models strutted their stuff, showcasing the collection that encapsulated Rio’s vibrant energy and joyous spirit.
Despite the constant rain showers threatening to put a damper on the show, the event proceeded. However, the fashion show went ahead minus a live audience. Guests, including well-known personalities from Rio and across Brazil, sought cover from the wet weather to ensure their safety.
The rain that started earlier in the day flooded a significant portion of the stage, and a couple of models slipped on the runway. The exclusive display was held outdoors at a hotel in Santa Teresa, which is an idyllic neighbourhood in Rio’s city centre.
Carolina Herrera chose Rio as the place for its first fashion show outside of New York because of its lively atmosphere, inherent optimism, and contagious joie de vivre. The brand is keen on expanding its Latin American market presence, hence the strategic decision.
Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera, now creatively led by Wes Gordon, made the most of the Carioca tropics’ enchanting appeal and vibrant colours in the resort 2024 collection. The collection presented lively pieces that included oversized blouses transformed into wrap skirts, among others.
The runway featured an array of designs, with polka dots dominating shirts inspired by menswear, dresses in various lengths suitable for gala events and cocktail parties. The clothing comes in shades of green, black, and red, and exudes a comfortable yet chic aesthetic, complete with the addition of wide-brimmed hats.
As stated by the brand, the collection creates a fusion between informal and refined styles, with each clothing item appropriate for any event, smoothly moving from daytime to evening wear.
The evening wear had amplified volume, specific tailored pieces that breathed life into lightweight fabrics and layers of tulle, transforming into mini and maxi styles. The showstopper piece was a rainbow ruffle skirt embellished with sequins, while the contemporary cut of the mini dress in captivating hues of lake blue, kiwi green, and papaya orange made a grand impression.
In the entire assortment, intricately crafted orchid patterns surfaced as delicate stitches in embroidery and as delicate watercolour prints on transparent organza. During the show, Wes Gordon paid tribute to the iconic Brazilian artist Roberto Burle Marx.
An elegantly designed two-piece suit made from meticulously hand-cut layers of tulle, with undulating white and black waves reminiscent of the renowned Copacabana Promenade envisioned by the illustrious Brazilian landscape architect, graced the runway.
In conclusion, the Carolina Herrera fashion show in Rio de Janeiro delivered a mixture of vibrancy, radiant energy and exceptional designs that perfectly portrayed the city’s spirit.
You can watch the fashion show that took place here- https://youtu.be/-agehtzxCMM
