New York Fashion Week 2023: Carolina Herrera brings romance and grandeur from Wes Gordon at the Plaza Hotel, with Cinderella dresses and Empress Elisabeth of Austria-inspired designs

Feb 14 , 2023

Fashion from Carolina Herrera is modelled during Fashion Week, on February 13, in New York. Photo: AP Photo

On February 13, Carolina Herrera took to the runway to present elegance and class for its autumn/winter debut, ticking its signature boxes in elegance and opulent themes

Fluttery dresses with a playful twist on femininity were elevated by tulle details, with A-list guests Kelsea Ballerini, Rachel Zoe, Maddie Ziegler, Julianne Hough and Vogue’s Anna Wintour in tow

Carolina Herrera is a brand synonymous with elegance and class and in this year’s autumn/winter debut, the brand pushed the boundaries on high drama, romance and grandeur – while also showing restraint when necessary.

Fashion from Carolina Herrera is modelled during Fashion Week, on February 13, in New York. Photo: AP

In the shimmering, grand Plaza Hotel ballroom in New York on February 13, creative director Wes Gordon debuted a collection inspired by themes of elegance and opulence.

A model walks the runway during the Carolina Herrera autumn/winter 2023 fashion show during New York Fashion Week at The Plaza Hotel in New York, on February 13. Photo: AFP

The show opened with “I Say a Little Prayer for You” and a whole slew of romantic songs served as a backdrop for the opening dress – a strapless structured satin black-and-white mini dress, signifying a regal and straightforward yet elevated look.

A striped yellow dress is presented by a model from Carolina Herrera during Fashion Week, on February 13, in New York. Photo: AP

Gordon’s signature Herrera aesthetic was on display in a yellow tulle dress with a tiered skirt that bounced as the model strutted down the ballroom. Another look that brought drama and intrigue was yet again a tiered black-and-white tulle dress – some of the nylon tulle covered the model’s face, giving mystery to the look.

A gown from Carolina Herrera is modelled during Fashion Week, on February 13, in New York. Photo: AP

Some of the most gasp-worthy looks were inspired by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, recently given a modern edge in the film Corsage. One model wore a chunky pearl necklace with a buttoned-down black silk full-length dress featuring gold embroidery. Another look featured a square-necked Cinderella dress in lilac satin with a peek of black tulle and matching lilac pumps.

Carolina Herrera’s fashion was inspired by historical royal icons during Fashion Week, on February 13, in New York. Photo: AP