Born in Venezuela, designer Carolina Herrera built her career in the United States. She is renowned for her distinctive personal style as well as for her eponymous brand, which she founded in 1980. Herrera became a global fashion icon, creating clothing for several US First Ladies. To learn more about how she achieved success from scratch and about her life, visit newyorka.
Early Life
María Carolina Josefina Pacanins y Niño was born in Caracas on January 8, 1939. As the second daughter of Governor Guillermo Pacanins Acevedo, she grew up in a world of luxury. However, her father, a former air force officer, was a firm believer in discipline and order, and he instilled these values in his children. The family would later welcome two more daughters.
Her mother, María Cristina Niño Pacios, and grandmother were role models of elegant, feminine style. From a young age, little Carolina was fascinated by clothing, and she would sew outfits for her dolls, mimicking the looks of her mother and grandmother. She herself favored white shirts and blouses with a classic collar, which would become one of her signature looks as an adult.
When Carolina was 13, her grandmother took her to a fashion show in Paris. It was a show by the famous designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, but the young girl wasn’t particularly impressed by what she saw. At that time, she was more interested in reading and horseback riding. Her father gave her an Argentine thoroughbred, while her mother carefully selected valuable books for her to read.
In addition to her sense of style, Carolina’s grandmother was also an excellent cook. The kitchen, with its magical aromas, seemed like a fairy tale world to the girl. Her tastes were thus shaped by the scents of spices and flowers, and the colors of the tropical landscape. However, in her youth, she never thought about a career in fashion. After finishing school, Carolina enrolled in the biochemistry program at the Institute of Technology and got married.
Carolina Herrera and the World of Fashion
In 1965, Carolina Herrera began working as a manager for designer Emilio Pucci, a family friend. She worked in his Caracas boutique until she moved to New York in 1980. During this time, she socialized with the elite and stood out for her unique personal style. As early as 1972, Herrera was included in the International Best Dressed List, and in 1980, she was inducted into its Hall of Fame.
In New York, family friends Diana Vreeland, the editor-in-chief of “Vogue,” and Count Rudi Crespi encouraged Carolina Herrera to try her hand at fashion design. Her first collection consisted of 24 dresses. In contrast to the popular “androgynous” look of the time, the designer focused on femininity. One of her inspirations was the wardrobe of Argentina’s First Lady, Eva Perón. Herrera also incorporated soft shoulder pads into her designs to visually narrow the waist by making the shoulders appear wider.
The collection was well-received and marked a successful start to Carolina Herrera’s career. Her team of 10 employees began working on a full-scale collection, which was presented in the spring of 1981. After the show, the designer opened a store in Manhattan, choosing a minimalist style for the space. The single mannequin in the window wore a simple white blouse and a classic black skirt.
By choosing a classic aesthetic, Carolina Herrera hit the bullseye. The elegance of her brand attracted US First Ladies and Hollywood stars. The designer also created many exquisite bridal collections. Daughters of presidents, aristocrats, and famous actresses walked down the aisle in her gowns.
It’s worth noting that Carolina Herrera never received a formal education in fashion or design. In her own words, she doesn’t know how to sew. However, she has an incredible talent for creating unique designs, which her team then brings to life.
In 2009, Carolina Herrera introduced her first collection of children’s clothing. Two years later, her brand’s boutique for young shoppers opened in Paris. The brand’s stores also offer accessories that complement their clothing. You can always see photos of new collections on the official website and the brand’s social media pages.
The Carolina Herrera Brand: More Than Just Clothes
Carolina Herrera first ventured into a new area in 1987: creating perfumes with the scent of jasmine, her favorite flower. After the success of her first fragrance, she developed several dozen more. Her perfumes are often sold in pairs—a women’s fragrance is often accompanied by a matching men’s scent.
By 2014, the brand offered 15 main fragrances, and in 2016, “Carolina Herrera Good Girl” was launched. The bottle is shaped like a dark blue stiletto heel with the brand’s classic logo. This fragrance was created by designer Louise Turner. Later, the “Velvet Fatale” line was added, featuring a red stiletto bottle, along with white and light pink versions.
As for accessories, from 1994 to 1996, the designer collaborated with “Swoboda International” to produce a line of leather goods and scarves. The production later continued under her own brand. The designer also creates sunglasses.
The Personal Life of a Famous Designer
Carolina Herrera first married at 18 to landowner Guillermo Behrens Tello. He was chosen and approved by her parents, and at the time, she had no say in the matter, forced to comply with tradition. However, at 25, Carolina Herrera filed for divorce and returned to her parents’ care. She had two daughters with her first husband—Mercedes and Ana Luisa.
The designer’s second marriage was by her own choice. In 1968, she married Don Reinaldo Herrera Guevara. This is how the name Carolina Herrera—which was destined to become a global brand—came to be. Interestingly, the bride herself designed her wedding dress. The gown was light as a sea breeze and golden like a sunbeam. The dress was featured in fashion magazines and was one of Carolina Herrera’s first steps into the world of fashion and design.
She had two more daughters in this marriage—Carolina Adriana and Patricia Cristina. Carolina Adriana joined her mother’s business in her youth. Later, her other daughters also became involved in the family enterprise.
Carolina Herrera Today
Before a fashion show in 2018, Carolina Herrera announced she was stepping down as head of the brand. She was replaced by young American designer Wes Gordon, who has his own label. Herrera has a friendly professional relationship with him and continues to support his vision for the brand’s development. For example, in 2023, she shared photos on her social media pages of the new clothing collection and the “Herrera Beauty” cosmetics line.
As for the designer herself, she became a US citizen in 2009 and continues to live in the country. In 2025, she has four children and six grandchildren and still maintains a slender figure, which she skillfully accentuates with elegant clothing.
Carolina Herrera remains true to her own style. She favors white shirts above all, considering them a versatile staple for both everyday wear and evening fashion. The famous designer also buys items from mass-market stores, where, in her opinion, you can find comfortable and elegant pieces. To maintain her flawless appearance, Carolina Herrera sees cosmetologists and, for example, gets Botox injections. She doesn’t hide this and is proud of herself. The designer believes the main secret to success is believing in yourself and your ideals.