Information On Carolina Herrera

"I love the idea of elegance and intricacy, but whether it is in a piece of clothing or a fragrance, the intricacy must appear as simplicity," says Fashion Designer Carolina Herrera

Spoken without a stitch of ego, the statement reveals a great deal about Carolina Herrera. Carolina Herrera entirely straightforward approach toward her business--which Carolina Herrera founded 17 years ago after being prompted by fashion legend Diana Vreeland and her great friend, the late Count Rudi Crespi--is perfectly balanced by Carolina Herrera’s entirely impassioned feelings about her late parents.

Along with the newly launched 212 Men, the counterpart of 212 Carolina Herrera for women and the sixth of her fragrances eleven years, Carolina Herrera oversees an international design firm that encompasses Carolina Herrera ‘s signature fashion collection, a bridal collection, fragrances, color cosmetics and accessories. Sales extend around the world.

Carolina Herrera was born in Caracas, Venezuela, descends from a long line of Venezuelan landowners and statesman. Carolina Herrera is animated in her affection for her parents, Guillemmo and Maria Cristina Pacanins, admitting that she is "spoiled as far as men's looks are concerned" because Carolina Herrera father was so dashing. She refers with love to her mother's "cultivated aura." "She was very strict, but not in a loud way," Carolina Herrera adds. "There was a time and place for everything. I have carried that with me all my life."

Carolina Herrera herself had attended her first couture show, that of Cristobal Balenciaga, at the age of 13 with her grandmother.

In 1988 Carolina Herrera expanded her business with the launch of her first fragrance, Carolina Herrera, a heady and romantic blend of the tuberose and jasmine essences she had always worn. A men's fragrance, Carolina Herrera for Men, bowed in 1991. In 1994, Carolina Herrera debuted her third scent--the floral Flore. Aqua Flore, its lighter counterpart, debuted in 1996.

Of her latest endeavor, Carolina Herrera credits her daughter, Carolina Adriana, as muse and collaborator. The 212 Men fragrance line is sensual, transparent and woody in nature, contrived of citrus and essence leaves, sandalwood, amber notes and white musks. It is a reflection of the charming cosmopolitan man-about-town, forever savvy and debonair, and every woman's ideal.

"With my clothing and fragrances," says Carolina Herrera, "I believe that it is best to be realistic, but to always mix a bit of fantasy with reality. It's the same with life, really."