The label presented its collection for next summer at Plaza Mayor

It was the first time the brand unveiled one of its major collections outside of New York. It was inspired by the intersection of Madrid's Golden Age and the irreverent spirit of the Movida movement of the 1980s, the decade in which the house was founded. &ldquo;Madrid has always been one of my favourite cities in the world, rich in history, art and culture. It's home to exceptional creators who have a unique vision of beauty and joy,&rdquo; says Wes Gordon, its creative director. &ldquo;There's something about the rhythm of this city, its appetite for life inspires me, energises me and connects me deeply with the Herrera woman.&rdquo;
The presentation was the third international event the house has held in its 44-year history. It featured celebrities from different countries and backgrounds, including Pedro Almod&oacute;var, Alexa Chung, Lucy Hale, Alisha Boe, Olivia Palermo, Gigi Goode, Josh Hutcherson, Tokischa, and Becky G, as well as local figures such as Amaia, Paco Le&oacute;n, and Marti&ntilde;o Rivas. Vittoria Ceretti, the face of Carolina Herrera's new fragrance, La Bomba, also participated, along with Blanca Padilla and Esther Ca&ntilde;adas on the runway. A special guest from Argentina was Carolina "Pampita" Ardohain, who, in addition to attending the fashion show, participated in various experiences: from a fitting to choose outfits for her stay and a photo shoot in prominent locations around the city to a welcome dinner at the Palacio de la Liria and an after-party following the presentation at the Casino Real in Madrid. She was also able to explore the universe of Good Girl fragrances, which symbolise both femininity and empowerment.

In detail
The brand's Summer 2026 offering stood out for several elements, including its palette, which ranged from saffron to the house's signature red, to electric pink, lilac, pure white and black. Some combinations evoked prints and colours from the world of film director Pedro Almod&oacute;var. Other highlights included floral motifs: the carnation, Madrid's emblem, was presented embroidered in threads and jacquards; the violet, a reference to the city's renowned sweets, could be seen in three-dimensional embroidery; and the Retiro rose, cultivated in the park's historic Rose Garden, was also present, a symbol of the transformation of courtly heritage into a public space.
The collection paid homage to women such as Paloma Picasso and Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, Duchess of Alba; figures who embody a blend of drama and modernity. The textures drew on historical elements as well as contemporary constructions: a golden carnation jacquard evoked brocade; the checked wool evoked the cobblestones of the Plaza Mayor; the lace recalled the plaza's mantillas and awnings; and the lurex mesh embroidery evoked latticework. Polka dots, a classic feature of the label, were present on ruffled dresses and daywear. The tailoring was presented in trapeze silhouettes, hip structures referencing bullfighters' caps, and fitted trousers reminiscent of Goyaesque trousers. The sleeves, a very characteristic element of the house, were inspired by the traditional dress of Madrid women known as chulapas, with defined shoulders, cinched waists and ruffled skirts.
As for accessories, three new handbag designs stood out: the Mimi, a rigid leather clutch with a closure inspired by the brand's polka dots; the P&iacute;a, with tassels and a chain handle; and the Lola, a rounded clutch with a ball closure and a fine chain.

The collaborations
The brand established various local ties in an effort to celebrate Spanish craftsmanship and connect generations. WesGordon collaborated with Madrid-based designer Sybilla to create unique pieces that combined her sculptural and sensual style with the brand's silhouettes. He also worked with Palomo, the brand founded by Alejandro G&oacute;mez Palomo, to reinterpret the classic white shirt.
The Madrid-based jewellery studio Andresgallardo created exclusive pieces for the collection: delicate, handmade porcelain carnations presented as brooches, pendants and earrings. Meanwhile, Levens, the jewelry firm founded by artist Mar del Hoyo, added organically shaped glass jewelry that accompanied various designs on the runway. It was a tribute to the ancient Iberian art of glasswork in a contemporary style.
Casa Sese&ntilde;a is a historic Madrid workshop founded in 1901 and now run by the fourth generation of the family. The company has dressed figures ranging from Alfonso XIII to Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway, as well as Carolina and Reinaldo Herrera, who was photographed in 1977 by Robert Mapplethorpe wrapped in one of its capes. This time, some of its pieces were presented as a tribute to Reinaldo's dandyism and style.

Carolina Herrera Unveils SS26 at Plaza Mayor, Madrid

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