Carolina Herrera Resort 2021

In case you didn’t know, Wes Gordon is the creative director of Carolina Herrera, a post he has held since Carolina Herrera stepped down from eponymous brand in 2018. Interestingly, Gordon since coming to the brand has brought his brand of fun to Herrera’s signature DNA of elegance and sophistication. And the brand’s Resort 2021 collection is a testament to Gordon’s penchant for elegance mixed with a bit of whimsy.

This Resort 2021 collection was developed while Gordon was on his summer farm in Connecticut and perhaps this tranquil, idyllic locale influenced this collection. What is more evident is that Wes Gordon looked to the classic “Wizard of Oz.” “It took on an extra-special meaning when you think that there really is ‘no place like home,’” says Gordon, as reported in a vanityfair.com article. 

Another source of inspiration was all the protests around racial injustice and police brutality. “When you really read the experiences of Black Americans in any industry, you realize, Wow, we have a lot of work to do,” says Gordon. “And that includes me, that includes Herrera, that includes every white American … We could all do so much better.” Perhaps, that explains the exquisite black model that rocks all the garments in this Resort 2021 collection.

Additionally, Gordon reflected on the 80s style that so embodied Carolina Herrera’s collection in the early 80s. Oversized shoulders, taffeta dresses, tops, and gowns, and over-the-top glamour is back!!

This is a collection for the glamor girl who wants her clothes to express that she owns everything while still being fun and whimsical. And what is more whimsical than polka dots. Gordon know that, so in his won inimical way Gordon lets polka dots make a big statement in this Resort collection.  “The world is serious enough; fashion should let our dreams soar and bring us joy,” says Gordon.

Gordon continues to stay true to Carolina Herrera’s aesthetic by incorporating her signature white shirt into this collection. Gordon’s 80s-inspired crisp white shirt is paired beautifully with denim-like shorts.

There is something in this collection for almost every woman. And though there will not be any red carpets of major events to attend any time soon, Gordon injects a bit of red-carpet glam into this collection with several sequined glitter and shine numbers.

Hey, why not aim for the stars!! You just might get there!!

—William S. Gooch