Carolina Herrera Honored by Mercedes-Benz

Epitomizing style and elegance, Carolina Herrera has been a staple at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City for years.

Now the designer has been honored with the distinguished title of “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer for this season’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection debuting on Monday, September 13th at 10 am at Lincoln Center, the new home of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The “Mercedes-Benz Presents” program “recognizes designers that demonstrate dedication to the use of quality materials, unique style, and innovative design for the past seven years.”

Among those who have received this distinction in the past are Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Narciso Rodriguez, and CHADO Ralph Rucci.

Is it just me or does Badgley Mischka seem a little out of place in that list?  That aside, this is a great honor, especially considering the talented line-up of designers this season.

The Venezuela-born designer began her career in the fashion industry nearly three decades ago in New York City (she will be celebrating 30 years of her eponymous collection in 2011), and throughout her remarkable career she has helped create memorable red carpet moments for a number of famed performers, socialiates, and notable political and social influencers including Amy Adams, Michelle Pfeiffer, Oprah Winfrey, and Camilla Belle.

In regards to her latest award Herrera remarked that she is very “proud to be chosen as the “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer.

To be recognized in such an important year in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week history, is, without question, a wonderful honor.”  

A few seasons ago a friend's mother, the late jewelry Francesca Visconti, used to work with Herrera, and she invited me to attend my first Carolina Herrera show.   It was a veritable who’s who of the New York social world - think Graydon Carter, Annie Leibovitz, and Ivanka Trump. I can’t wait to see what the designer brings to the runway for the Spring/Summer 2011 season (and who attends her show!).

Prior to the unveiling of said collection, Herrera will fete two milestones in support of Fashion’s Night Out on Friday, September 10th.

The highly anticipated opening of the CH Carolina Herrera store at 802 Madison Avenue with special guest illustrator Robert Risko and the 10th Anniversary of her Madison Avenue flagship store at 954 Madison Avenue with a digital photo booth, with creative backdrop for memorable shots of the evening.