Carolina Herrera: The Venezuelan Fashion Icon Behind a $130 Million Empire

Carolina Herrera has long been celebrated as the embodiment of timeless elegance — both through her personal style and her namesake fashion house. Known for her crisp white blouses, vibrant gowns, and an unfailing ability to make sophistication feel effortless, the Venezuelan-American designer has dressed everyone from first ladies to Hollywood icons.

Since launching her label in 1981, Herrera has built a legacy defined by impeccable tailoring, bold use of color, and an enduring belief that true style comes from confidence. Today, under the creative direction of Wes Gordon, the brand continues to honor her signature aesthetic while appealing to a new generation of fashion lovers.

Carolina Herrera’s Net Worth and Rich Venezuelan Heritage

As of 2025, Carolina Herrera is estimated to have a net worth of $130 million. Her wealth comes from various sources, including her thriving fashion brand, fragrances, and endorsements.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 8, 1939, her full birth name is María Carolina Josefina Pacanins y Niño. She comes from a diverse Venezuelan heritage, which includes Spanish (Canary Islander) roots and possibly other ethnic backgrounds.

Wes Gordon Takes the Reins: The Creative Director of Carolina Herrera

In 2018, American fashion designer Wes Gordon assumed the reins as creative director, bringing a fresh perspective while preserving the essence of the Carolina Herrera brand.

American singer Sabrina Carpenter dazzles in a silver floral Carolina Herrera gown while posing with the brand’s creative director, Wes Gordon, at the 2021 ACE Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on November 2, 2021 (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

A graduate of Central Saint Martins, Gordon had previously honed his skills at Oscar de la Renta and Tom Ford.

In an interview, Wes Gordon expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. He explained that he initially started his career by attending design school and then started his own small collection, which he worked on for nearly eight years. He had the fortunate opportunity to consult for Carolina Herrera, and when Mrs. Herrera was stepping down from her role, he was appointed as the Creative Director.

Fashion designer Carolina Herrera, radiant in a bold yellow pantsuit, sits front row with her daughter Carolina Adriana Herrera at the Carolina Herrera Spring/Summer 2024 Ready-to-Wear show during New York Fashion Week on September 12, 2023, in New York City (Credit: INSTARimages)

“I went to design school, and then as soon as I graduated, I started a small collection and did that for nearly eight years, and then had the great fortune of coming to Herrera to consult,” Wes Gordon told Margaret Brennan in an episode of Facing Forward.

“And it was right around the time that Mrs. Herrera was stepping down from her role. And I became creative director. So I feel incredibly fortunate to have identified at an early age what it is that brings me joy and what I feel passionate about, and then to have had, you know, supportive parents and opportunities to make that a reality.”

Venezuelan-American designer Carolina Herrera radiates her signature elegance in a crisp white button-down shirt and tailored black trousers, a timeless look that embodies her classic sophistication (Credit: WENN)

“Just don’t say I am retiring,” the then-79-year-old designer told The New York Times in 2018. “I am not retiring! I am moving forward.”

Carolina Herrera on the Red Carpet and Beyond: Iconic Shoe & Fashion Moments

Before we wrap up with Carolina Herrera’s timeless quotes and her most memorable outfits, here are some of the standout shoe and fashion moments we’ve covered on Your Next Shoes:

Timeless Quotes from Carolina Herrera on Fashion, Elegance, and Life

“Elegance isn’t solely defined by what you wear. It’s how you carry yourself, how you speak, what you read.” – Carolina Herrera

“A wedding dress is both an intimate and personal for a woman – it must reflect the personality and style of the bride.” – Carolina Herrera

Patti LuPone graced the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala at the David Koch Theater on October 5, 2023, wearing a stunning dress designed by Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)

“Fashion never stops. There is always the new project, the new opportunity.” – Carolina Herrera

“I have always loved trouser suits. It’s something I absolutely believe in for women.” – Carolina Herrera

“Fashion has always been a repetition of ideas, but what makes it new is the way you put it together.” – Carolina Herrera

Vanessa Williams exuded elegance in a royal blue Carolina Herrera gown with a crystal-embellished boat-neck detail, designed by Wes Gordon, as she attended the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala at the David Koch Theater on October 5, 2023 (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)

“I don’t believe in naming clients to get press. I hated it when I was a couture client. If the dresses don’t sell themselves, there is something wrong.” – Carolina Herrera

“I believe that you have to treat the people who work with you like your family.” – Carolina Herrera

“You have to have talent to design and to dress thousands of women or millions of women around the world. And you know very well, the only thing they want is to look more beautiful.” – Carolina Herrera

“I didn’t long to be a designer. I always liked fashion, but it was always a bit sleeping in me.” – Carolina Herrera

“In general, fashion is challenging. Everything from clothes to fragrances.” – Carolina Herrera

Sarah Jessica Parker made a chic entrance at the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala on October 5, 2023, donning a Carolina Herrera off-the-shoulder gown featuring a ballerina-style tulle skirt, complemented by an oversized hair bow, a Vacheron Constantin watch, and mismatched shoes from her own namesake brand (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)

“Fashion is to please your eye. Shapes and proportions are for your intellect.” – Carolina Herrera

“Money doesn’t buy elegance. You can take an inexpensive sheath, add a pretty scarf, gray shoes, and a wonderful bag, and it will always be elegant.” – Carolina Herrera

“We always know better than anybody else what looks best on us. Even if people are complimenting you, if you think, ‘I hate what I have on,’ it’s not right.” – Carolina Herrera

Ariana DeBose graced the New York City Ballet Fall Fashion Gala at the David Koch Theater in New York on October 5, 2023,, stunning in a dress by Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)

“Fashion is a dream. It’s difficult, and there are many aspects of fashion that are very difficult, but if you love it like I do, because I really have a passion, now, for fashion, it’s not easy, but nothing is easy in life.” – Carolina Herrera

“Fashion has always been a repetition of ideas, but what makes it new is the way you put it together.” – Carolina Herrera

“Fashion is to be fun. It shouldn’t be labeled ‘intellectual.'” – Carolina Herrera

“Attention to detail is of utmost importance when you want to look good.” – Carolina Herrera

Jessica Alba Shines in Carolina Herrera: From the Oscars to Paris Fashion Week

Jessica Alba was one of the celebrities who stole the show on the red carpet at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars Party. The American stunned in a navy strapless dress by Carolina Herrera that flowed gracefully to the floor, showcasing her signature style of understated elegance.

Adding a touch of glamor to her classic outfit, Jessica wore a pair of stunning Bulgari sapphire earrings that beautifully complemented her dress.

Jessica Alba looked stunning in a navy strapless Carolina Herrera dress at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 12, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

She also donned a Bulgari high jewelry sapphire lace necklace that drew attention to her neck and perfectly complemented her strapless gown.

Although it wasn’t visible on the red carpet, Jessica’s Giuseppe Zanotti navy satin Betty platform sandals perfectly matched her dress, adding a few extra inches to her already statuesque frame. She also carried a Tyler Ellis bag for the perfect finishing touch to her ensemble.

Jessica’s elegant look for the night was kept natural with a nude lip and subtle smoky eyes. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she chose a slightly darker color to highlight her natural beauty.

Jessica Alba wowed with her Bulgari jewelry at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars party, which included an exquisite Sapphire Lace necklace and Barocko Collection Meraviglia sapphire earrings (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)

Jessica Alba has frequently turned to Carolina Herrera for red carpet moments, but she’s also long been recognized as a true fashion enthusiast.

Jessica Alba, in a Carolina Herrera Resort 2023 3D floral applique silk gown, with her husband Cash Warren at the 2022 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell at Pacific Design Center on November 12, 2022, in West Hollywood, California (Credit: DFree / Shutterstock)

Beyond Herrera’s timeless gowns, she’s embraced an eclectic mix of designers—from the bohemian flair of Stella McCartney to the playful sophistication of Miu Miu—showcasing her ability to adapt her style across a wide spectrum of luxury fashion houses.

Jessica Alba showcased her preppy style at Miu Miu’s fall 2023 runway show during Paris Fashion Week in an oversized black duster coat with a coordinating plaid two-piece set on March 7, 2023, in Paris, France (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Jessica Alba showcased her bohemian flair in a brown and beige snake-printed trench coat with glossy black buttons at Stella McCartney’s Womenswear Fall Winter 2023-2024 fashion show during Paris Fashion Week on March 6, 2023, in Paris, France (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Explore More Designers and Fashion Brands Loved by Celebrities

As this article concludes, here are more designer stories and brand features from Your Next Shoes that fans of Carolina Herrera may also enjoy: