Wes Gordon
Creative Director, Carolina Herrera
The American designer has balanced Carolina Herrera’s bold, unmistakable brand DNA with contemporary motifs as he brings a modernising touch to the heritage label.
Wes Gordon is the creative director of Carolina Herrera and has been widely applauded for reworking of Carolina Herrera’s signature elements and colourful designs in a way that is exaggerated and playful, rather than cerebral and retrospective.
Gordon studied at Central Saint Martins, a school he was drawn to due to its legacy of producing notable designers such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Stella McCartney . He graduated in 2009 and, having interned at Oscar de la Renta and Tom Ford , moved to New York and set up his namesake label the same year.
The label soon counted Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman among its stockists. By 2014, his designs had been worn by Katy Perry, Gwyneth Paltrow and then First Lady Michelle Obama.
In 2017, Gordon hit pause on — and later shuttered — his own line to consult for fellow New York-based designer Carolina Herrera. He went on to become creative director after Herrera stepped down to become international brand ambassador instead. Her final collection was presented at New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2018.
In an interview with Vogue, shortly before his debut collection, the designer said, “It’s not about reinventing the wheel, or over-intellectualising fashion here; it’s just about embracing the fact that we can be a brand where you come and see something that’s really beautiful.”
In August 2019, Carolina Herrera’s flagship store on Madison Avenue reopened after its first renovation since it was opened nearly two decades ago
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How Carolina Herrera Got Succession Right
Choosing who comes next is the important decision a designer can make. And at the New York-based brand, the appointment of creative director Wes Gordon has led to a rise in sales as the “ladies who lunch” aesthetic returns to the cultural conversation. Gordon and president Emilie Rubinfeld sat down with BoF to discuss how the brand pulled off the transition.
How Carolina Herrera Got Succession Right
Choosing who comes next is the important decision a designer can make. And at the New York-based brand, the appointment of creative director Wes Gordon has led to a rise in sales as the “ladies who lunch” aesthetic returns to the cultural conversation. Gordon and president Emilie Rubinfeld sat down with BoF to discuss how the brand pulled off the transition.
This Fashion Month, Let’s Take Care of Ourselves First
Post-Covid, people across fashion are seeking alternatives to the pressure and expectations that come from working in such a fast-paced industry, writes Imran Amed.
This Fashion Month, Let’s Take Care of Ourselves First
Post-Covid, people across fashion are seeking alternatives to the pressure and expectations that come from working in such a fast-paced industry, writes Imran Amed.
Will New York Fashion Week Survive the Pandemic?
This strange season’s series of 'shows' made it clearer than ever: the value of New York Fashion Week is up for debate. While still important for some designers, others are opting out and not looking back.
Will New York Fashion Week Survive the Pandemic?
This strange season’s series of 'shows' made it clearer than ever: the value of New York Fashion Week is up for debate. While still important for some designers, others are opting out and not looking back.
Selling Fashion to the 1% During a Pandemic
From Zoom styling consultations to digital VIP dinners, here’s how luxury retailers are continuing to woo the wealthy.
Selling Fashion to the 1% During a Pandemic
From Zoom styling consultations to digital VIP dinners, here’s how luxury retailers are continuing to woo the wealthy.
The Verdict on New York Fashion Week
The sparse schedule was crushing, as was the lack of new ideas. But if America’s premier fashion showcase has indeed hit bottom, there’s nothing to do but evolve and nowhere to go but up.
The Verdict on New York Fashion Week
The sparse schedule was crushing, as was the lack of new ideas. But if America’s premier fashion showcase has indeed hit bottom, there’s nothing to do but evolve and nowhere to go but up.
Puig Is Getting Serious About Fashion… to Sell More Fragrance
The Spanish scent giant that owns Dries Van Noten, Carolina Herrera, Jean Paul Gaultier, Paco Rabanne and Nina Ricci is trying to reposition itself as brand-builder first, licensee second. Can José Manuel Albesa, the executive behind the strategy, make it work?
Puig Is Getting Serious About Fashion… to Sell More Fragrance
The Spanish scent giant that owns Dries Van Noten, Carolina Herrera, Jean Paul Gaultier, Paco Rabanne and Nina Ricci is trying to reposition itself as brand-builder first, licensee second. Can José Manuel Albesa, the executive behind the strategy, make it work?
The Return of New York Fashion Week
This season, there were no extraordinary clothes to speak of. But there was excitement.
The Return of New York Fashion Week
This season, there were no extraordinary clothes to speak of. But there was excitement.
At Carolina Herrera, Executing Elegance with Agility
Leaning into its conviction that constant change is the new normal in fashion, Carolina Herrera encourages all employees to be nimble in their operations — granting them the creative autonomy to succeed.
At Carolina Herrera, Executing Elegance with Agility
Leaning into its conviction that constant change is the new normal in fashion, Carolina Herrera encourages all employees to be nimble in their operations — granting them the creative autonomy to succeed.
Carolina Herrera in the Hothouse
Designer Wes Gordon ignored autumnal conventions, showing bright colours and plenty of florals with impressive gusto.
Carolina Herrera in the Hothouse
Designer Wes Gordon ignored autumnal conventions, showing bright colours and plenty of florals with impressive gusto.
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
