Classic Carolina Herrera on the Red Carpet

For over three decades, Carolina Herrera has been delivering femininity and glamour to the runways as one of the most recognized names in fashion. Born in 1939, Herrera grew up among high-fashion thanks to her socialite grandmother, and she attended her first Balenciaga show in 1952. "I do remember that show very well because it was so quiet," Herrera told Washington Life in an interview. "There was total silence. It was an impressive way to show clothes, very different from today. And the clothes were very beautiful." Only a few years later, Herrera was being dressed in the likes of Lanvin and Dior. Although seemingly stylish since the beginning, Hererra didn't become recognized for her elegant fashion choices until her second marriage to Reinaldo Herrera Guevara, the 5th Marqués of Torre Casa. In the seventies, she made her first appearance on the International Best Dressed List, partied with stars like Mick and Bianca Jagger and Andy Warhol at Studio 54, and became friends with fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who assisted Herrera in creating her own line. In 1981, Herrera presented her first collection to rave reviews. Soon after, Herrera was in high demand by everyone from Jacqueline Kennedy to Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush to Renée Zellweger. "They are very feminine, not too avant-garde," Herrera said of her clothes. "It has to be sophisticated, it has to be easy to wear, not so trendy. When you have too many trends, fashion is destroyed. It has to have a certain individuality to look well on you." As the legendary fashion designer turns 75, we look back at some of her most iconic red carpet looks.

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