When he took on the role of Creative Director at Carolina Herrera in 2018, Wes Gordon became the first designer to assume such position other than Carolina herself. So there’s no doubt the pressure must have been immense.
Wes Gordon by Sebastian Faena
But the transition of the brand into Gordon’s hands seems to have been a seamless one. One that has seen the fashion house go from strength to strength in the last two years. Gordan has made the job look easy with his focus on creating colourful, joyful pieces for fun-loving, confident women, he has continued to express the codes of the House while giving his own interpretation to the designs.
American-born Wes Gordan spent years interning with Oscar de la Renta and Tom Ford before launching his fashion label in 2009. His contemporary designs saw him become a regular choice for celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow Michelle Obama and Katy Perry.
Carolina Herrera SS20
In 2017 Gordon decided to close his label and he took on a consulting role at Carolina Herrera. When Herrera herself decided to take a step back from the House in 2018 there was no better choice than Gordon to perfectly carry on the legacy of the brand. Here, he discusses the future of the House and how he will continue to uphold the legacy of the brand.
What do you love most about what you do?
I genuinely love and relish my work every day and feel so lucky to be working at a House that celebrates beauty and such a high level of craftsmanship. I am excited to go into work on Monday mornings and sad to leave at the end of the week!
What are the challenges you face with a brand that has such a rich legacy and how do you ensure that you respect Carolina’s vision but put your own twist on it?
I am fortunate in that I find my taste and what I see to be beautiful is very close to what Carolina likes and is drawn to. I do not find myself compromised by what is right for the brand. For example, I adore the fact that Carolina loved playing with polka dots and dramatic sleeves in her collections and those are codes that I continue to adhere to and explore in our collections today.
Carolina Herrera SS20
What is the vision for Carolina Herrera in 2020?
Herrera stands as an everlasting expression of beauty and joy and a reminder that no matter how grey the day may appear, life is wonderful. I’m constantly in a sense of optimism and fearlessness.
Who or what has been your biggest inspiration when it comes to design?
I love travelling and meeting our customers on the road. I get to see my designs come to life when they are wearing them and I love to hear first-hand what their everyday life needs are from fashion.
What are the biggest differences you find working on your own brand compared with working for a brand?
When you are at the helm of your own company you are building the structure as you go; every decision is made for the first time, whereas at an established house there’s an existing framework within which to operate. Rather than being limiting, it’s quite exhilarating to creatively work within an existing foundation.
Carolina Herrera SS20
What is the secret for a fashion house to get it right in today’s market?
I think it’s about focus. Focusing on what the brand is and staying true to that and focusing on the customers and what they want.
What is your biggest achievement so far?
Every time a woman falls in love with and wears a piece from Carolina Herrera I consider it a success.
What is something that you would love to achieve but haven’t had the chance yet?
There are so many places I’d love to travel to and explore – our audience is global and I love meeting clients all over the world.
Carolina Herrera SS20
What has been your favourite red carpet moment throughout your career?
We’re blessed to have created so many memorable red carpet moments over the years but one of my favourites was when Sarah Paulson wore one of the first designs I created when I was consulting for the House in 2017. Having said that, there is nothing I love more than seeing a woman on the street in the “wild” wearing Herrera pieces she chose to add to her wardrobe.
Is there anyone that you would like to dress that you haven’t had the chance yet?
As exciting as working on red carpet looks is, the real “goosebump” moments happen when I see a stranger wearing one of my designs. It’s such a humbling honour.
How do you deal with failure?
I believe in always moving forward. There will be failures and successes but as long as you are moving forward that’s what matters.
What advice do you give to aspiring fashion designers?
I think a very important factor is to focus.
Carolina Herrera SS20
What do you think is the importance of the runway show today?
Runway shows provide an opportunity to make a fantasy a reality even if just for a few minutes. They allow the audience to appreciate the hard work of the artisans who have worked so hard on the collection. It’s a celebration of different interpretations of beauty and creativity.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style signifiers are black jeans, a great knitted jumper, and colourful socks. My jeans are by Tom Ford, and the socks are often from Uniqlo. This is my comfortable day-to-day uniform for both work and weekends.
What does luxury mean to you?
The way I interpret luxury is the luxury of time and the luxury of space. Being able to spend time with loved ones and animals.
Carolina Herrera SS20
You work a lot with colour, what do you think is the importance of wearing the right colours when it comes to your mood or personality?
I love happy and joyful colours. The House of Herrera has no place for sad colours, which is why I’m always drawn to bright highly pigmented rich tones that immediately brighten your mood. I like to imagine that you’ll find a Herrera woman on an overcast day wearing a shocking pink coat in a sea of black.
What is your first memory of fashion?
From an early age, I was very fixated on what I wore. I wouldn’t go to preschool without my red suspenders and my navy suede shoes.
Who is the Carolina Herrera woman today?
The Herrera woman is someone who laughs with her head thrown back, she dances on tables and she is full of confidence. The boldness and vivaciousness of Herrera is not necessarily associated with any demographic but rather more about attitude.
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