Puig showcases Carolina Herrera SS26 collection in Madrid
Madrid – Puig_ the Spanish multinational_ exhibited a remarkable display of influence_ convening power_ and leadership within the fashion and beauty industry. This was showcased in Madrid with the presentation of Carolina Herrera's new SS26 collection. Carolina Herrera is one of the largest assets held by the company chaired by Marc Puig. Since its listing in May 2024_ Puig has focused on highlighting its unique_ diversified business model.
This model treats fashion and beauty as two sides of the same coin. This was particularly evident on the evening of September 18 in Madrid. The city had been anticipating this date since the April announcement that it would host Carolina Herrera's next runway show. This presentation_ organised in parallel with Madrid Fashion Week and the current edition of MBFW Madrid_ marks a significant moment in the brand's history. It is the first seasonal collection shown outside New York in its 44-year history. It is the third organised outside New York_ considering the 2024 and 2025 Resort collections shown in Rio de Janeiro and Mexico_ respectively.
Reflecting Puig's focus on its business model_ the show celebrations began hours before the 8 pm showtime at Plaza Mayor. A pop-up space dedicated to Carolina Herrera's new perfume_ "La Bomba"_ was installed in the bustling Plaza del Callao. Marc Puig_ president of Puig_ highlighted the fragrance's launch during the presentation of the group's latest half-year results.
The official presentation took place at this emblematic Madrid location. Large screens also broadcast the fashion show live. Puig's two main business pillars_ perfumery and fashion_ were united to present the new seasonal collection_ described by Carolina Herrera as "a love letter to Madrid". The collection was unveiled amidst the scent of "La Bomba"_ a fragrance honouring the brand's founder_ Carolina Herrera_ whom Diana Vreeland called "La Bomba".
Wes Gordon_ creative director of Carolina Herrera_ said_ "Madrid has always been one of my favourite cities in the world_ rich in history_ art and culture"_ and "home to incredible creatives with a unique approach to beauty and joy". He added: "There's something about the rhythm of this city_ its appetite for life_ that inspires me and fills me with energy_ and that is deeply aligned with the Herrera woman."
Lace_ ruffles and violets
Inspired by the artistic_ creative_ and cultural heritage of Madrid and Spain_ Wes Gordon designed a collection connecting the city's past and present to celebrate the femininity of tomorrow. Gordon's main inspiration came from the links between 17th-century Madrid during the Golden Age and the "Movida Madrileña" of the 1980s. By blending these eras with Carolina Herrera's signature codes and incorporating key voices from Madrid's current fashion scene_ he shaped this seasonal collection.
The collection's colour palette draws inspiration from Pedro Almodóvar's films_ featuring sensual violets and lilacs_ electrifying fuchsia pinks_ and intense saffron yellows. Crisp white and sensual carmine red_ key colours in the Herrera universe_ complement these hues. Deep_ luxurious jet black_ the distinctive colour of the Spanish royal court during the Golden Age_ completes the chromatic spectrum.
Drawing inspiration from Paloma Picasso and Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart_ the 18th Duchess of Alba_ Gordon created a series of flowing_ sculptural_ daring_ and demure dresses. These pieces reflect the unique style_ tastes_ and sensibilities of each muse_ blended with the essence of Carolina Herrera and Gordon's own vision.
Gordon reinterprets elements such as the brocades worn by the Spanish court during the Golden Age_ traditional Spanish mantillas_ bullfighters' monteras_ Goyaesque attire_ the cobblestone patterns and awnings of Plaza Mayor_ and the tailoring_ ruffles_ and polka dots characteristic of Carolina Herrera. Floral motifs and prints_ including carnations (Madrid's signature flower)_ violets (another typical Madrid flower and the namesake of the city's traditional violet sweets)_ and "rosas del Retiro" (roses cultivated in El Retiro Park's rose garden)_ complete the collection.
Carolina Herrera stated that the Spring/Summer 2026 collection is "inspired by the vivid union between Madrid's 17th-century Golden Age and the irreverent spirit of the 1980s 'La Movida' movement_ the same era as the House's founding. This collection connects past and present in a celebration of femininity towards the future". They emphasised that the collection is "a love letter to Madrid_ an iconic city of contrasts_ precision_ audacity_ and beauty_ seen through the kaleidoscope of Carolina Herrera".
Collaborations with Palomo and Sybilla
To further celebrate Madrid_ Carolina Herrera collaborated with several local businesses and designers. This dialogue between the New York fashion house and the city included a collaboration with Casa Seseña_ a historic cape maker founded in 1901. The show featured archival designs worn by figures such as Alfonso XIII_ Pablo Picasso_ Ernest Hemingway_ Robert Mapplethorpe_ and Carolina and Reinaldo Herrera.
The brand also presented a collection of hand-blown glass accessories by Levens_ created by artist Mar del Hoyo; jewellery pieces crafted by Madrid-based jeweller Andresgallardo; a selection of the brand's iconic white shirts_ reinterpreted by Alejandro Gómez Palomo_ founder and creative director of Palomo Spain; and sculptural dresses co-created by Wes Gordon and the iconic Spanish designer Sybilla. This collaboration marks Sybilla's return to the forefront of the industry_ showcasing her creations on the runway. She and Gordon designed five exclusive pieces in monochrome red and black.
Sybilla said: "I feel that collaborations are the future_ and this one has been very easy and fun. Working with Wes has been a pleasure_ and I feel honoured to be part of this project that has celebrated Madrid_ the city that has influenced and inspired me in so many ways." This collaboration saw Sybilla "blend her unmistakable sculptural and sensual style and particular pattern-making technique with the elegance of Carolina Herrera"_ according to her fashion house.
