On Thursday, Wes Gordon, the creative director of Carolina Herrera, unveiled the brand's fall 2026 ready-to-wear collection during New York Fashion Week. The event took place in a vibrant venue located on Little W. 12th Street in the Meatpacking District, where the traditional lineup of elegant fashion models was complemented by notable figures from the art world. These individuals, while undeniably stylish, are not typically recognized for their runway appearances.
Among the distinguished attendees were photographer Ming Smith, acclaimed painter Amy Sherald, artist and actress Anh Duong, art dealer Hannah Traore, performance artist Eliza Douglas, and sculptor Rachel Feinstein, who was accompanied by her daughter Flora.
Gordon expressed his intention to honor women who have often been overlooked throughout history during a preview at his studio. He specifically referenced Peggy Guggenheim as an inspiration for the collection.
The collection prominently featured leopard prints, showcased in a knee-length jacket worn by Smith, alongside floral designs, such as Feinstein's white dress adorned with red calla lilies. Women's Wear Daily characterized the collection as embodying "a restrained glamour," blending elements of Hitchcock's 1960s hourglass silhouettes with 1980s rounded puff shoulders, sculpted jackets, elegant knits, tulip-shaped skirts, and ethereal printed dresses.
This year's show highlighted an intergenerational cast of contemporary art figures, bringing a unique flair to Carolina Herrera's fall 2026 runway.