Elegance without the fuss

Distinguished by her “white-shirt look”, Carolina Herrera, who is often referred as one of the most elegant women in the world, brings her stylish outfits for men and women to Bangkok with the opening of her first store at Central Embassy.

The boutique is part of the Venezuelan-American designer’s long-term global business plan and comes hot on the heels of the brand’s success in Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur. 

Herrera launched her premiere women’s collection in New York City more than 30 years and has been richly rewarded for her demi couture, luxury ready-to-wear, bridal, accessories, eyewear and fragrance lines.

In 2001 she collaborated with her daughter, Carolina Jr, in introducing CH Carolina Herrera to the world. 

The new Central Embassy store stocks a range of CH accessories such as handbags, jewellery, shoes and small leather goods. There is also a selection of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear; from casual sportswear to impeccably tailored suits and elegant evening separates.

“CH Carolina Herrera represents today's lifestyle. It represents my daughters and myself. It is a spirit and an attitude towards life. The woman is free and modern; the man is unique and active. It is a complete universe of elegance, comfort and style, housed in an extraordinarily refined space,” the designer said in a recent press release. 

The Bangkok store is both evocative and welcoming with the use of simple, elegant and sophisticated materials. Different atmospheres are created within the same space. There are intriguing dressing rooms, split glass displays and images of Carolina and Carolina Jr. throughout the store, giving the space a personal and intimate ambience.

Red hues reflected by the lamps and cushions make a woman feel attractive and at ease in this intimate environment. Aromatic candles burn in every corner filling the store with the three CH Carolina Herrera signature scents. 

Herrera’s latest collection reflects a spirit, an attitude towards life, independent of age. “I have used pure lines, excellent fabrics and cuts.”

Inspired by effortlessly chic Parisian street-style and fashion, the CH Carolina Herrera Autumn 2014 women’s collection features new silhouettes created for modern dressing. 

Versatility defines the season with easy-to-wear separates perfect for layering. Rich wool, cashmere and alpaca double-face coating in neutral colours of beige, grey and camel are paired with feminine lace and silk dresses in green, red, and blue jewel tones. Slouchy, relaxed pants are styled with monochromatic tops while long-sleeve cocktail dresses with defined waistlines epitomise the femininity inherent to the brand.

Whether it is a sexy orange leather skirt or flirty animal print brocade dress, the collection is punctuated with statement pieces adding a fun flair. Floor-length evening gowns in floral prints make a bold statement for a glamorous night out. 

Understated accessories with the utmost attention to detail complement each look. Sleek black bags are decorated with studs, zippers and chains creating a unique edge and texture to contrast the softer, more feminine designs. Sleek shoes run the range from tall knee-high suede boots to strappy stilettos. 

Both in ready-to-wear and accessories, the collection plays with texture, volume, colour and print perfect for a global lifestyle that demands wardrobe options for day to night and everything in between.

The men’s collection is all about sleek tailoring and layering rich textures. The play of fabrics, precision in details and cut, and the use of colour create a refined look that suits a modern lifestyle. 

Classic menswear colours of navy, black, grey and camel are accented by warmer hues of garnet, burnt orange, bottle green and CH signature red. The colour palette is complemented by fresh silhouettes and cuts creating a newness that is perfectly aligned with the spirit of the House. The mix of rich tweeds, wool, cashmere and leather add texture and defining details. Tailored suiting styled with sporty separates is Carolina Herrera’s take on dressing smart for all occasions. Complete with a suede weekender or leather briefcase, the CH man can be outfitted from head to toe and command the room with style and ease. 

“The CH Carolina Herrera man lives life to the fullest; he is modern, secure and sophisticated. In my designs nothing is ostentatious, just simple detail that reflects true elegance,” the designer notes.

“Collaborating with my daughter on the CH Carolina Herrera line is a dream come true. For me, the greatest part of designing is highlighting the best of each person without changing their personality. And I truly believe we have achieved this, a collection where everything can be combined and adapted to different occasions, respecting individual styles. All the garments are created on premises of extraordinary beauty, where one can feel comfortable, free and relaxed.”