Looking Back at Designer Carolina Herrera’s Storied Career

María Carolina marries Reinaldo Herrera, the fifth Marqués of Torre Casa, and they start to shake up the New York social scene.

Herrera makes the International Best Dressed List. Later, Vogue editor Diana Vreeland suggests a fashion line: “Try daytime-to-evening!”

Late one night at Studio 54, Herrera gives Andy Warhol her gold-and-diamond Van Cleef & Arpels minaudière in exchange for a portrait sitting.

Herrera shows her first collection, at the Metropolitan Club in New York. Warhol attends.

After designing Caroline Kennedy’s wedding dress, Herrera introduces her bridal collection.

Launches her first fragrance, named after herself. (She will go on to release 75 more.)

With husband Reinaldo at a wedding.

Spanish fragrance and fashion company Puig acquires Herrera’s business.

The first Carolina Herrera boutique opens in New York.

The more casual CH line launches with accessories and clothing for men and women.

Council of Fashion Designers of America (and Beyoncé) awards Herrera with Womenswear Designer of the Year honors.

Renée Zellweger wins an Oscar wearing Herrera.

19th-century Spanish painter Francisco Goya inspires the designer’s spring bridal collection.

Daughter Carolina Herrera de Báez joins the company as creative director of fragrances. Later, daughter Patricia joins as special-projects director.

Becomes the first designer to show at New York’s Frick Collection museum.

Herrera will show her fall 2018 collection Monday night. And on Tuesday—after 37 years in business—Herrera, now 79, will take a new job at her company, as "global brand ambassador." Wes Gordon, a New York based designer who previously had a womenswear label in his own name and has designed for Mrs. Herrera for two seasons, will become creative director. "Just don't say I'm retiring," she told the New York Times.