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Carolina Herrera: A Life-Long Devotion To Elegance

Aug 27, 2024 | 8 min read

Since the launch of their first fragrance in 1988, the eponymous beauty brand has become equated with sophistication and poise.  Few Houses have been able to compete with the timeless allure and forceful femininity exuded by Carolina Herrera. A fierce proponent of individualism, the woman at the helm of CH has birthed a brand of resolute character and class. 

According to Carolina Herrera, beauty is a vacuous pit if it doesn’t make a positive contribution. While feeling good and looking good is of course a tenet of beauty, making a life-altering mark on the people who wear the products is no easy feat. Yet, this is exactly what the designer set out to do.

What is Carolina Herrera Beauty?

Fusing classic silhouettes with modern innovation, it has become the epitome of elegance. Though she had been making waves in the fashion world since 1981, her signature scent launched in 1988. Eager to expand her portfolio, she launched her first men’s scent in 1991.

Along with her daughter, Carolina Herrera Jr., they produced the instantly iconic 212 line of fragrance. Inspired by New York, the 212 NYC captured the dynamic and bustling energy of a city that never sleeps and one where everything is possible. The 212 range has since heralded a new olfactory era thanks to its 212 Men, 212 Sexy and 212 VIP.

2020 marked the foray of the Latina powerhouse into the beauty sphere.  The emergence of the exuberant collection was delightfully disruptive as it blurred the lines between fashion and beauty. No longer to be concealed in the bottom of handbags, her line of personalised pieces were designed to be seen. Celebrating women is at the core of the company’s mission. Vibrant shades of eyeshadows, lipsticks and illuminating foundations embolden women to be unapologetically themselves. 

Another defining quality of Carolina Herrera is the option for customisation: adding bangles, tassels, and charms infuses an iconic product with the wearer's personality. The blend of casual luxury and female empowerment is essentially what Carolina Herrera is. 

How did Carolina Herrera start her business?

Carolina Herrera erupted on the scene with a mission, one that still powers her business to this day. The sartorial sensation was devoted to helping women feel confident, modern and most importantly, beautiful. 1980 marks the beginning of her illustrious career as she became an inductee of the International Best-Dressed Hall of Fame. Her personal outstanding elan and a keen eye for design had garnered her the attention of New York socialites.

Guided by Vogue editor-in-chief, Diana Vreeland, the budding designer unleashed her first catwalk collection in 1981 at the Metropolitan Club.  Not only did this significant date mark the beginning of a 37-year reign, but it also signalled the pivoting of New York’s fashion scene. Vreeland had a profound impact on the eager fashionista. When she originally divulged her desire to design textiles, the frank editor described it as “boring”, and prompted her to release a collection.

Her sartorial debut brought with it almost instant acclaim and a cult-level following. Refusing to buckle under seasonal trends and fickle fads, the resolute atelier truly became unique. While many houses bend and adapt to temporal shifts, the brand carved its own niche, epitomising elegance. The fashion matriarch once claimed that she “doesn’t believe in trends.” Her dogma is reflected in her instantly recognisable works. 

Once she had dominated the fashion domain, the CH empire continued to expand exponentially. The fashion house now comprises Pret-A-Porter, fragrances, accessories, bridal wear and beauty products. 

The brand’s monogrammatic logo is not just a mere recognition of the designer’s identity; it encapsulates the elegance and seemingly effortless style of the fashion house. 

Must-have Carolina Herrera beauty products

Good Girl Eau de Parfum

If the stiletto-shaped bottle hasn’t grabbed your attention, the alluring scent of Good Girl eau de parfum will. The scent explores the duality of the modern woman, being daring and sophisticated all at once. Good Girl eau de parfum displays a complex blend of sweet and sultry notes. 

In addition to the original and infallible perfume, the collection also offers Very Good GirlGood Girl Blush and Good Girl Supreme

Good Girl Blush

Good Girl Blush is a softer, more tender ode to femininity. The fresh and floral bouquet brings out a playful side to this scent. It opens up with bergamot and bitter almond to a heart full of irresistible peony and ylang-ylang. Finally, this olfactory delight envelops you with base notes of vanilla and tonka bean.

Good Girl Colormania

We have been graced with many limited-edition perfumes in 2024 such as Good Girl Sparkling IceGood Girl Colormania might just be our favourite. The scent, like the brightly designed bottle, suggests a vivid and electric aroma. The fruity and floral bouquet opens with an alluring almond note, made all the more enchanting with heart notes of jasmine sambac and tuberose chrystal. Its unapologetic aura is unleashed with the lingering notes of cocoa and tonka bean.

CH Privée

CH Privée epitomises the captivating energy of the Herrera femme. Combining sophisticated leather and floral notes, it provides a sensual, olfactory experience.

Fabulous Kiss Lipstick Range

The Fabulous Kiss Lipstick range is the solution for pucker-perfect lips and boasts 52 long-lasting shades in matte, satin, sheer and sparkling formulas. Pink Burgundy and Burning Rose are two satin shades recently added to the house’s collection. 

Where to buy Carolina Herrera beauty products?

For those searching for the fashion maven’s beauty collections in the UAE and Switzerland, you can find her products and designs readily available at the following locations.

Buy Carolina Herrera In the United Arab Emirates 

Carolina Herrera can be found in the following UAE locations.

In Dubai: 

  • Dubai Mall - Explore men's and women's collections of the luxury brand at Dubai Mall
  • Mall of the Emirates - Shop fragrances, accessories, ready-to-wear and more at the Mall of Emirates.

The price of products and perfumes can vary per location in Dubai.

In Abu Dhabi: 

  • Abu Dhabi Mall - Explore a curated selection of renowned brands.
  • Marina Mall - A destination for luxury, high-end shopping. 

Buy Carolina Herrera In Qatar

Shop Carolina Herrera in the bustling capital of Doha, Qatar.

In Doha:

  • Villaggio Mall -Described as both evocative and welcoming, Villaggio Mall is the ideal location to satiate your shopping fix.
  • Doha Festival City

 Buy Carolina Herrera In Saudi Arabia

Carolina Herrera products and lines are available for purchase at the following stores In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:

  • Kingdom Centre - Browse a broad selection of beauty and fashion collections.
  • Al Faisaliah Mall - Discover a premier selection of men's and women’s fashion and fragrance items. 

 Buy Carolina Herrera In Switzerland

How does dipping in indulgence sound before jetting off? If that has piqued your interest, take a look at the following locations in Switzerland:

In Geneva:

  • Duty-Free Geneva Airport - A convenient spot for travellers to find their most beloved Carolina Herrera products.

In Zurich:

  • Duty-Free Zurich Airport - Though duty-free stores tend to offer smaller product selections, you can still pick up the most sought-after and adored CH pieces on the go. 

Buy Carolina Herrera Online

If you can’t reach the physical stores in UAE, there’s no need to fret. Simply search www.carolinaherrera.com to browse their expansive catalogue of products and discover their delivery options.

Celebrities Who Can’t Get Enough of Carolina Herrera

From Hollywood starlets, first ladies and members of the royal family, Carolina Herrera’s designs have become regulars on the red carpet.

Hailey Bieber

Hailey Bieber channelled a 21st-century Cinderella aura for the 2017 Met Gala with her peach, triple-tiered Carolina Herrera ensemble. Hailey Bieber featured in the electric advertisement for the 212 VIP fragrance, alongside Taylor Hill and Cameron Dallas.

Alessandra de Osma

Who could forget Alessandra de Osma’s resplendent Rose Ball look gown? We certainly haven’t. The Peruvian royal donned a 2019 Carolina Herrera Resort collection piece, with the celestial-hued dress representing the theme of “Riviera” perfectly. 

Caroline Kennedy

To make an already remarkable day even more so, Caroline Kennedy enlisted the help of Carolina Herrera. Given the close relationship between Jackie Kennedy (her mother) and Carolina, a bespoke piece from the gifted designer was an eventuality. The wedding dress was crafted from sleek, silk organza, adorned with floral accents and finished with defining, puffed sleeves. 

Beyoncé

It seemed only fitting that Queen B would don a piece crafted by the queen of style. Debuting a blazing red monochrome piece during the Hamburg Renaissance tour, her wardrobe choice was as unforgettable as her vocals. The fiery Carolina Herrera bodysuit was paired with a silk taffeta hood and gloves to further set the sta