Carolina Herrera’s Latest Show Was a Love Letter to Brazil

These past few weeks, fashion editors have traveled across the globe for the 2024 resort season. Louis Vuitton and Gucci went to Seoul, but Carolina Herrera opted for the opposite hemisphere. Inspired by the label’s Latin heritage, creative director Wes Gordon took the brand to Rio de Janeiro for its first international show.

Guests arrived in Brazil a couple of days ahead of the show with a packed itinerary, meant to immerse them in the city’s culture while also bringing visibility to Rio’s local talent. Each guest received a city guide that promoted businesses selling locally crafted goods.

Among the events planned for the label’s guests were a visit to see young Brazilian artists’ work at Fortes D’Aloia & Gabriel gallery, and a helicopter ride that offered aerial views of the landmark Christ the Redeemer statue and Maracanã Stadium. The trip wouldn’t have felt complete without a dinner in the jungle, held at a private residence designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Carolina Herrera also partnered with Spectaculu, a not-for-profit organization founded in Rio that offers professional training in creative industries for youth in underprivileged communities. Carolina Herrera’s overall goal with the activities was to support the city, which has always supported the brand.

Ahead of the runway, Gordon told me, “I thought it was crucial that we celebrated with our South American family.” He also talked about drawing inspiration from the vibrant city: “Brazilians—and Rio in particular—celebrate color, love, joy, optimism, hope, family, and laughter. All of those are things that I try to embrace at Herrera through our collections.”

No matter how much preparation led up to the show itself, it would have been impossible to forecast the tropical storm that came down on models as they walked. Unintended though it was, the steamy and smoky air set the mood for the sexy silhouettes of sarong-like skirts and bodycon dresses that would follow.

As a twin, I smiled big for the polka-dot duo in large matching sun hats, holding their dotted pumps in their hands. And as always, Gordon didn’t disappoint when it came to layers of tulle and glamorous drama. Crochet knits and floral patchwork chiffon dresses came in extra-bright colors inspired by Brazilian landscapes, in shades like kiwi green and papaya orange. It was very Herrera, with a Brazilian twist.

“Those are my heroes right now,” Gordon told me backstage after the rainy show. He was talking about the entirely Brazilian cast of models—including Caroline Trentini and Isabeli Fontana—who insisted on walking in the downpour. Many even did so completely barefoot.

“The whole experience was an incredibly humbling one, particularly tonight, where we were faced with nature,” he added. “They were the most inspiring and amazing group and team, and the show happened because of the models, and everyone working backstage.” Even unexpected weather couldn’t interfere with the strong sense of community and love that reverberated throughout the collection and show.

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