As the rain poured down in Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant spectacle of style unfolded on the runway that refused to let the weather dull its shine. The Carolina Herrera Resort 2024 (Cruise 2024) collection, the first of its kind, was an intoxicating blend of New York sophistication and Rio exuberance, a spectacle that echoed the boundless ‘’Alegria de Vivre’’ that pulses through the city’s veins.
The Carolina Herrera Resort 2024 show, under the masterful guidance of Wes Gordon, transported Herrera‘s elegance from the opulence of the ballroom to the barefoot relaxation of the beach, masterfully blending the brand’s signature black-and-white sophistication with the riot of color that characterizes the Copacabana. “We’re taking Herrera codes and giving them Rio energy”, explained Gordon, referring to the eclectic incorporation of bikini tops, sarong skirts, short shorts, crochet, raffia and oversized sun hats.
This transatlantic fusion of style was masterfully executed with pieces cut closer to the body, introducing a sense of effortlessness to the collection. Standouts included a striking black-and-white polka dot halter cutout waist gown with a slit skirt and a one-shoulder draped and ruched dress in tropical floral silk organza.
But Gordon wasn’t just about glamor; he also reveled in the casual with pieces like a fruity stripe cardigan and shorts set, and a black embroidered fringe crop top with miniskirt that brought a playful vibrancy to the collection. A refreshing shift was visible as he moved away from the corsetry and crinolines, crafting designs like the drop waist silk sundress with bow straps from a mixed floral silk faille.
In addition, the collection gave a nod to the relaxed tailoring trend with double-breasted boyfriend jackets, crop tops and cropped pants in seersucker stripes. The collection was a testament to Gordon’s ability to balance luxury with accessibility, with every piece representing a fresh and relevant take on the classic Herrera elegance.
The Carolina Herrera Resort 2024 show was unveiled on an all-Brazilian cast of models, with spectacular tulle pieces in undulating waves of black and white paying homage to the iconic Copacabana Beach boardwalk designed by Roberto Burle Marx.
This landmark event marked a significant milestone for the American fashion house, owned by the Puig conglomerate, joining the ranks of powerhouses like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dior. As Gordon put it, “The color, the beauty, the joy, the sensuality and optimism…Those are all words we use to describe Herrera as well”.
But the celebration didn’t stop at clothing. A post-show party honored the release of Herrera’s new fragrance, the ‘’Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum’’, underscoring the brand’s continued expansion in the luxury market.
Given the tremendous success of this inaugural resort runway show, questions arise about the brand’s future in the jet-setting resort runway calendar. For Gordon, the growth of the brand is not a mere checkbox, but an opportunity for continued innovation and expansion as the brand’s clientele becomes more international. The Carolina Herrera Resort 2024 show was more than a display of sartorial elegance; it was a statement of the brand’s evolution and ambition.
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