By Chevaun Jackson
Carolina Herrera is still topping the best designers list. She is a force of a woman indeed. Her collection that was shown for Fall 2011 was spectacular—not that we would expect less from Ms. Herrera. “I don’t get my inspiration from books or a painting. I get it from the women I meet,” Ms. Herrera said of her designs. And, indeed, it shows. All of her designs are “real world” and ready-to-wear on a daily level or a special occasion, as opposed to the overdone extreme fashions. I love the variety in length of the dress and sleeves, colors, tones, moods and styles. Her more casual pant and coat pieces lack a bit but they do not drag down the collection at all.
Textured shirts matched with simple, one color skirts. She knows exactly what coordinates tastefully while making a statement and does not overdo or understate.
The shiny/shimmering, mixed-hue style is beautifully done. She takes classic looks and styles and with detailing like material that reflects light, jewels, lace and touches like dual hues she makes them unique, updated and even a tad futuristic without going too far.
Every piece is a gem on its own. Never dull, just simple and elegant with touches like belts and to draw attention to the curves of women’s forms.
As always her gowns are stunning. The quick but seemingless bleed from metallic silver to rich blue is accented well with the gold texture, giving sensible flow to the dress.