NEW YORK — Season after season, Carolina Herrera always shows a polished collection for her well-heeled clientele. But for spring 2015, she seemed particularly inspired — all because of a single tulip.
In a 12-minute runway show that the New York Times estimates cost at least $1 million, Herrera sent out a breathtakingly beautiful collection, featuring ball gowns with big skirts and long trains that left the audience gasping in delight. A gorgeous pixilated rose embroidered gown — the floral image in cracked patterns along the front of the ball skirt and on the train — is sure to show up on the red carpet or at a Texas charity ball — it's my favorite gown of the upcoming spring season.
Herrera used shades of a tulip as the basis of the colorful collection and jazzed up what be considered an old idea with digital prints and techno fabrics, like cracked foam.
Herrera used shades of a flower, with vibrant pinks, purples and yellows, along with whites, grays and greens, as the basis of the colorful collection and jazzed up might what be considered an old idea with digital prints and techno fabrics, like cracked foam, to offer a modern take on floral attire.
The opening looks, which feature an abstract tulip in a digital print with a flap of color, are a bit jarring. But when Herrera transitions to full floral prints in colors or even singular white patterns embossed on tan or black fabric, the collection blossoms.
When not in full floral mode, Herrera features suits, dresses and even evening gowns in single bold colors — red, yellow or purple — using techniques that etch large seams in zigzag patterns.
Just as intricate was the set, which rivaled a Broadway show, with clusters of futuristic wooden trees, painted green and in various heights reaching up to 16 feet, on the runway, which was extended over the first two rows of seats for a wider effect. Models strolled among the trees and between onlookers positioned on the runway, like a scene from Into The Woods.
It was spectacular theater for a lovely collection, showing that at age 76, Herrera just keeps getting better with age.
When she took her runway bow, Herrera appeared in her traditional uniform of crisp white blouse and black skirt. While florals are the big trend for spring, she's sticking to her classic style.
The last two looks of Carolina Herrera's collection feature embroidered gowns of pixelated foam.
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