The Carolina Collection
September 12, 2022
By Brian Solis, Doma Head of Fashion
Six years of my fashion career was learning through the lens of Mrs. Carolina Herrera. I worked in the wholesale department with international and domestic specialty stores, later becoming Director of Visual Merchandising for the company. I accredit most of my learnings in fashion to Mrs Herrera…and yes, we always addressed her as Mrs. Herrera, never Carolina. She taught me graceful elegance and quiet luxury. Her signature starched pressed white blouses that she wore almost every day never had a wrinkle. The sound of her Manolo high heels clacked the mahogany wood floors as she entered the room and said “Hello” and “Good morning” to each and every employee, including the talented atelier on the floor below. She taught me kindness, that everyone should own a full length mirror at home (I mean how else are you going to see your look from H to T) and how to entertain guests at the House of Herrera.
Here are some quick tips: Never serve colored liquids, and when in doubt, keep your liquids clear. You don’t want red wine or cranberry stains all over your furniture or your favorite white blouse. Keep the food to a single bite because there’s nothing worse than chatting with a mouth full of food. Absolutely no onions– in combination with white wine, horrendous breath is inevitable.
I had the honor and pleasure to attend many events with Mrs. Herrera. One time in Washington DC during a Neiman Marcus event, she found out it was my birthday and asked “What are you doing at this event? You should be celebrating your birthday.”
I replied, puzzled, “Ummm, I work for you, and this is a work event.”
We both laughed and she called the cater waiter with the champagne over and declared a toast to my birthday. As I reached, she kindly asked the waiter for fresh glasses just for the birthday boy.
My other favorite story of Mrs. Herrera was during one of her routine greetings to the team. She stopped at my desk and said, “You know, Brian, I have a new name for you.”
Again, I was puzzled and anticipating what she would say next. “Oh, Mrs Herrera? What name is that?”
She then replied, “Boris! Brian + Solis = Boris!”
I accepted the new title, and we both started laughing. Later on that day, I heard her calling “Boris!” from the showroom. The rest is history, and Boris I remained. Everything that I have learned from Mrs. Herrera has carried me throughout my fashion career and fostered my becoming Head of Fashion at Dora Maar.
White Blouses
The Herrera Uniform
A white blouse was an essential in the closet of Mrs. Herrera. There's simply no wrong way to style this season-less staple, whether you opt for crisp and structured or a more flow-y and relaxed silhouette.
St. Roche
Vita Blouse in White
VP:M Atelier
Multi Tie Peplum Blouse
Isabel Marant
Lace Paneled Long Sleeve Blouse
Delpozo
White Sheer Cutout Sleeve Top
A-Line Skirts
Dress up with the Designer
When preparing for a party, Mrs. Herrera swore by a skirt silhouette, particularly an A-line style due to its polished, professional appeal. Paired to her variety of versatile white blouses, the look never failed.
Burberry
Box Pleated Skirt in Brocade
Comme des Garçons
Pink and Black Floral Ruffle Skirt
Peter Pilotto
Silver Brocade Pleated Midi Skirt
Prada
Green Heart Pleated Skater Skirt
Heels
Style in your Steps
Mrs. Herrera always made an entrance with the click-clacking from a pair of chic, sophisticated pumps. When you're wearing a high heel, life feels like a runway.
Manolo Blahnik
Grey Tweed Pumps
Manolo Blahnik
Peep Toe Pump in Black/White
Manolo Blahnik
Calasi Pumps in Pewter
Manolo Blahnik
Croc Crossover Mules in Red
Dresses
Dolled up in a Dress
Don't dismiss a one-and-done for dressing up. Mrs Herrera always found that the simplicity of a long-sleeved midi dress boasts sophistication, without all the fuss.
Carolina Herrera
Knot Detail Midi Cocktail Dress
Jonathan Cohen
Long Sleeve Shirt Dress
Esme Vie
Amalfi Shirt Dress in Snow White
Gabriela Hearst
Black Bow Embellished Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Gowns
Gown Greatness
Luxury is lacking until you get your hands on a gown. The elegant silhouette makes the case for dressing to the nines and never giving up on glamour.
Markarian
Juno One Shoulder Dress
Carolina Herrera
Pleated Ruffle Train Off the Shoulder Silk Gown
Esme Vie
Amelia Dress in Caviar Black
