María Carolina Josefina Pacanins y Niño was born on January 8, 1939, in Caracas, Venezuela. Her grandmother was a well-known socialite and introduced a young Carolina to the world of fashion.
Carolina moved to New York in 1980 and began working as a publicist for Emilio Pucci. It was in New York that she really grew into her role as a fashion icon. She was frequently seen at Studio 54 with celebrities likes of Mick Jagger, Bianca Jagger, and Andy Warhol.
Her place in New York high society was solidified when she appeared on the International Best Dressed List in 1972, then was elected to its Hall of Fame in 1980. Carolina’s friend, Diana Vreeland, then Editor-in-Chief of Vogue suggested that she design her own clothing line. In 1981 Carolina Herrera showed her first collection at New York's exclusive Metropolitan Club and it was an immediate success.
After designing Caroline Kennedy's wedding gown in 1986, a year later Caroline introduced her first bridal collection. Her designs are known for sophistication and elegance and remain a favorite among celebrities and first ladies, including Florence Pugh, Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Obama, and Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. Over the next 40 years, she would win many awards, and introduce multiple fragrances, makeup, accessories, and eyewear. In 2018 Carolina Herrera took her final bow after presenting her Fall 2018 collection at the Museum of Modern Art and appointed Wes Gordon as the Creative Director for Carolina Herrera.
