Empowered Elegance: Wes Gordon’s Carolina Herrera Unveils a Timeless Tribute to Feminine Strength
Review of Carolina Herrera Fall 2024 Fashion Show
By Mackenzie Richard
THE COLLECTION
THE VIBE
Wes Gordon’s Fall 2024 collection for Carolina Herrera eloquently speaks to a narrative of empowerment, weaving the threads of strength, resilience, and power into the very fabric of femininity. The runway show commenced with an act of poetic grace as each attendee was greeted by the delicate presence of a peony, a bloom that not only whispers of beauty and fragility but also declares the tenacity inherent in the natural world.
In this collection, Gordon’s artistic vision comes to life in the form of meticulously tailored silhouettes that grace the runway with a sense of determined precision. The collection is a tribute to the mastery of the craft, with architectural ruffles and a tapestry of embellishments—each bead, thread, and embroidery speaking volumes of his dedication to detail. His playful yet thoughtful approach to color blocking introduces a bold lexicon of hues that articulate a new chapter in his sartorial color story.
This season marks a maturation of Gordon’s aesthetic narrative, firmly rooting his design ethos in the heritage of the Herrera brand while also casting a forward glance. The collection’s homage to the mid-century cuts and hemlines is a tender nod to the bygone eras of fashion, yet it resonates with a modern sensibility that is both striking and wearable—qualities that are bound to captivate the retail landscape.
While the collection was lovely, I think it would have been wise for Gordon to be thinking about New York’s rich history with the elite. Last season’s reference to Caroline Basset Kennedy played out nicely for the designer, so examining the history and aestetics of a wide range of New Yorks most notorious women would be a wise reference point for the brand. Wes has illustrated his ability to be reflective without sacrificing modernity, and this is a real sweet spot for the brand.
Looking at the grand tapestry of Carolina Herrera’s evolution, Gordon’s craftsmanship aligns harmoniously with the foundational values of the house.
In the broader narrative of Carolina Herrera’s evolution, Gordon’s work resonates with the core ethos of the house, weaving a sonnet to the New York Madison Avenue woman, whose sophistication is matched by her grounded elegance.
The contemplation of Gilded Age venues as a backdrop for future presentations is a notion that could further entwine the threads of Herrera’s opulent and polished legacy with the vibrant tapestry of New York’s fashion scene.
THE BUZZWORDS
Powerful Femininity, Craftsmanship, & Timeless Modernity
THE SHOWSTOPPER
Look # 45
This strapless gown captivates with a bold floral motif, reminiscent of a piece of art that has clearly captured the designer’s imagination. The bodice, structured and fitting, transitions effortlessly into a voluminous skirt, where the floral pattern blooms with vivacity against a muted, elegant grey background.
Reds, pinks, and whites stand out with a painterly quality, as if the brushstrokes from the original artwork have been masterfully translated onto textile. The gown speaks to the time-honored Herrera tradition of elegance but through a lens that is fresh and vigorous.
THE DIRECTION
THE QUOTE
My vision for the Herrera woman and the house has never been more precise, honed over the last six years through an intimate conversation with our customer.
Today, I aimed to advance this vision, embracing the concept that beauty and power are interlinked. I wanted each model to stride with an air of confidence and strength, showcasing silhouettes that are simultaneously clean and architectural, yet also feminine and dramatic. It’s a subtle balance to maintain.
– Wes Gordon
THE WRAP UP
This collection by Gordon, while not revolutionary in the sense of drastic change, allows the Herrera woman to mature gracefully within the brand’s DNA. It maintains the warmth and whimsy inherent to Herrera while thoughtfully introducing elements that speak to a more established, confident woman.
Balancing evolution with maintaining the brand’s core identity is a delicate task, and Gordon has approached it with care and consideration.
This collection stands out as thoughtful, offering a range of pieces that cater to the needs and desires of the Herrera clientele, walking that fine line between evolution and upheaval with elegance and skill.
