The beauty within
Last month, the Miami
City Ballet hosted acclaimed fashion designer Carolina Herrera and Neiman Marcus’s Senior VP and Fashion Director Ken Downing for an intimate tea. Discussion on philanthropy in the Palm Beaches was led by Honorary Chairman Sydell Miller and Malka Fingold, Chairman of MCB’s Palm Beach Board of Trustees.
The afternoon was held in support of local outreach programs including MCB’s Palm Beach Summer Dance Camp, Ballet for Young People, and scholarships for dance education. With Ballerina in all of Us, the
Palm Beach chapter of MCB emphasized not only the artistic beauty of the artform, but also its importance in our community, providing a key cultural experience for children at risk.
Prior to the tea, models showcased a curated selection of Carolina Herrera’s Spring/ Summer 2018 collection, currently available in Neiman Marcus stores, while Herrera and Ken Downing conducted a thoughtful discussion on fashion and culture today. Herrera stressed that she is not in the business of fashion, but rather in the “business of beauty.” When a lady wears Herrera’s pieces, Herrera wants her to look and feel beautiful, not fashionable.
For Herrera, the word fashionable has become synonymous with ugly: too complicated, confusing, and often times “clown like.” She urged the predominantly female audience to “wish not to be fashionable, rather to strive to be stylish.” Herrera’s distinct and direct perspective on women’s fashion does not waver. Her perspective may be observed in countless collections over the years that always demonstrate an effortless and timeless feel.
This season her creations are vivid and deliciously colorful. Classic silhouettes have been modernized with a wonderfully playful mix of colors. Beautifully weighted textiles are arranged confidently in color blocks, occasionally belted with a bow, accented with sequins, or adorned with an optimistic statement print.
Another quality that Herrera admires about Palm Beachers is our affection toward color. And when Downing asked the decorated designer a paramount question “what is the most important thing in fashion?” Herrera responded with certainty and confidence: “Color. Color says it all for you, doesn’t it?”
One Shoulder Cocktail Dress with Back Bow Detail,