1990s Carolina Herrera Olive Silk Mermaid Skirt
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 47 in (119.38 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Francisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU394210547352
Carolina Herrera
Born into a family of wealth and sophistication in Caracas, Venezuela, but without a trace of design education, Carolina Herrera launched her eponymous fashion empire in 1981. Modeling her aesthetic on the principles of refined, simple elegance, she has gone on to defy all expectations.
Style, that elusive je ne sais quoi, is often hard-won, acquired over years of experimentation and missteps. Precious few are born with it. Carolina Herrera may well be one of them. And if she wasn’t born with it, she was most assuredly born into it, raised by wealthy and refined women in the most rarefied of circumstances back in Venezuela. Her mother and her grandmother were both perfectly put together, had their own dressmakers — even a live-in seamstress. Everything within Herrera’s reach at home was of the utmost quality. Hers was a privileged life, and no one appreciates that fact more than she.
Herrera brought that aesthetic to her first collection of clothing and accessories in 1981, encouraged by éminence grise Diana Vreeland, then the editor in chief of Vogue. Herrera was initially interested in designing textiles (she worked in a publicity role for Emilio Pucci — the iconic clothing and housewares maker — during the 1960s). It was Vreeland who planted the fashion seed. When it took root, Herrera returned to Caracas, and with the help of Guy Mellier, her personal couturier, she came up with a collection she felt was New York–ready. She never studied fashion and didn’t know how to cut or sew. “What I understood was proportion, and I had a good eye.” She knew not only what looked good on her but also on other women, too.
Herrera unveiled her first collection at the Metropolitan Club on Fifth Avenue. The fashion press was hard on her; “they didn’t have faith,” is how she explains it today. But how about the women in the audience, did they like what they saw? Herrera leans in and says with a smile, “A lot!” The buyers liked the collection, too — enough to place orders. (And they’re still placing orders.)
She quickly became synonymous with sophistication for her glamorous evening dresses, which eventually earned accolades in magazines, prime real estate in Manhattan boutique windows and a heavyweight client roster that included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
As her business has evolved — in 2010 it reached $1 billion in sales — so has Herrera herself. In the 1970s and before she became a designer, she used to dance until the wee hours at Studio 54, pal around with Calvin Klein, Bianca Jagger, Halston and Andy Warhol. Through all the madness — every bit of which she enjoyed — she remained unscathed. No scandals, no gossip, no whispers. She’s been famously photographed by Robert Mapplethorpe, Arthur Elgort, Norman Parkinson, David Seidner, Mario Testino, Bruce Weber and, yes, Ron Galella. (“I’ve never said no to the paparazzi,” she explains. “I smile, let them take the picture and move on.”)
Find a collection of vintage Carolina Herrera shoes, shirts, day dresses, handbags and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: San Francisco, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- 1950s Jungle Print Circle SkirtLocated in San Francisco, CAJungle print 1950s full circle skirt. 100% Cotton. Metal zipper snap closure (as seen in photograph) Measurements: Waist: 24" Length: 33" Circumfe...Category
1950s Circle Skirts
- Giani Versace for Laurel Printed SkirtBy Gianni VersaceLocated in San Francisco, CAGiani Versace for Laurel Printed Skirt. A unique and interesting piece designed by Versace for Laurel. It demonstrates the trade mark Versace print in ...Category
1960s French Skirts
- Valentino Calfskin Leather Skirt w/ Cut Work DetailBy ValentinoLocated in San Francisco, CAValentino Calfskin Leather Skirt w/ Cut Work Detail. Two side pockets. Unlined, cotton faced waistband. Back seam zipper and button closure. Petal-shaped cuto...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Pencil Skirts
- 1990s Romeo Giglo Olive Striped High Low Pleated SkirtBy Romeo GigliLocated in San Francisco, CA1990s Romeo Giglo Olive Striped High Low Skirt. Thick waistband buttons at back with three covered buttons.Category
1990s Skirts
- 60s Brown Suede Mini Skirt with Cut OutsLocated in San Francisco, CA60s brown suede mini skirt with cut-outs along the hem line. 9" metal zipper up the back. Unlined.Category
1960s American Skirts
- 80s C. Randall Brooks Black Pencil Skirt with Silver beading and RhinestonesLocated in San Francisco, CA80s C. Randall Brooks Black Wool Pencil Skirt with Silver beaded and Rhinestone Trim. Nylon zipper. Fully lined.Category
1980s Hong Kong Pencil Skirts
- VINTAGE 1970’S MISSONI wool tweed A-Line Skirt - Never been WornBy MissoniLocated in COLLINGWOOD, AUVintage MISSONI Wool tweed skirt from the 1970's. Never been Worn. With original tag. Beautiful tweed with cumberband waist. Size 40 Italian, Small. Made in Italy. Colour - beig...Category
1970s Italian A-Line Skirts
- S/S 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Safari Gazelle Print Silk SkirtBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a stunning printed silk maxi skirt designed by Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche's Spring/Summer 2002 collection. This print was featured in the season's ad camp...Category
Early 2000s French Flare Skirts
- Burberry UK 12 Brown Midi Skirt with BeltBy BurberryLocated in Amman, JOBrown Midi Skirt with Belt. Additional information: Material: Cotton Size: UK 12 / EU 40 Overall Condition: NewCategory
21st Century and Contemporary British Skirts
- Vintage Etro Vintage Silk SkirtBy EtroLocated in London, GBA pretty boho silk skirt by Etro Vintage. The skirt is in a pretty print with yellow, pinks,greens and browns,It has a drawstring waist with a pink silk tie and is fully lined in a m...Category
1970s Italian Skirts
- Vintage Gianni Versace Couture S/S 2002 Nude Eyelet Pencil Skirt It 38 - US 4By Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Montgomery, TXVintage Gianni Versace Couture Nude Eyelet Pencil Skirt S/S 2002 Collection Italian 38 ( US 4 ) Nude Eyelet 100% Cotton, Unlined, Side zip. Measurements: Waist 29 inches, hips 35"- ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Pencil Skirts
- Ted Lapidus Brocade Skirt, Size 36FRBy Ted LapidusLocated in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FRTed Lapidus - Pleated skirt composed of iridescent gold brocade, together with a tulles and silk taffeta petticoat. No size tag, it fits a size 36FR. Additional information: Dimens...Category
1990s French Ruffled Skirts