Carolina Herrera is the epitome of chic. Her personal style rarely changes: she obviously knows what suits her best. Her natural elegance (and her high standards) appeal to most women, and she usually succeeds in giving clients exactly what they want and need. This season’s collection was no exception.

Carolina does take some fashion risks–for this Fall, she shifted silhouettes slightly by dropping hemlines to just below the knee. It worked, and the proportions looked right. After the show, I chatted with Caroline Brown, the president of Carolina Herrera; and while congratulating her on the beautiful presentation, I made a point of mentioning the lowered hems. Caroline was pleased that I’d noticed: apparently, the subject involved much discussion!

As usual, there were plenty of fabulous daywear looks (many shown in an inky midnight blue); gorgeous cocktails dresses; and a parade of elegant gowns (some columnar, some with ball skirts). I was also taken with the swept-back, bouffant hair on the models–it gave the collection a fresh look (perhaps appealing to younger customers). But in the end, that’s not what Carolina Herrera is really about. In fact, she’s an icon of ageless chic!

Carolina Herrera talks to reporters backstage after her show

Photographs by Stéphane Israël