Carolina Herrera unveils the Spring/Summer 2026 collection with a runway presentation in the heart of Madrid at the iconic Plaza Mayor — the first main runway collection shown outside of New York and its third runway presentation abroad in the House’s 44 year history. Inspired by a vivid marriage of Madrid’s 17th-century Golden Age and the irreverent spirit of La Movida movement in the 1980’s—the very era of the House’s founding—this collection bridges past and present in a celebration of femininity to the future.
“Madrid has always been one of my favorite cities in the world—rich in history, art, and culture. It’s home to incredible creatives with a unique approach to beauty and joy,” says Wes Gordon, Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director, “There’s something about this city’s rhythm—its appetite for life—that inspires and energizes me and is deeply aligned with the Herrera woman.”
The color palette of the collection reflects the tension between boldness and romance: from the sun-drenched warmth of saffron yellow to the Herrera red, deep Rioja, electrifying bright pink, violeta lilac, crisp white, and graphic black. Color combinations that recall the unexpected juxtaposition of prints and colors from the universe of Pedro Almodóvar’s cinema.
At its heart, the collection blooms with three distinct florals: the Carnation, Madrid’s flower and emblem of beauty, appears in intricate threadwork and jacquard; the Violetta, a nod to the city’s beloved candies, is brought to life in ethereal three-dimensional embroideries; and the Retiro Rose, cultivated in the park’s historic Rosaleda, a symbol of how Madrid transforms its courtly heritage into an open and public space.
A composition of textures connects historical references with contemporary construction. A golden carnation jacquard crepe recalls brocades, while plaid wool tailoring reflects the cobblestone motif of Plaza Mayor in saffron yellow and black. Lace trims, light but structured, reference traditional mantillas and the awnings of the square. A lurex grid embroidery evokes trellis motifs, and polka dots — a Herrera code — appear in new iterations: silhouettes, tiered dresses, and sculptural daywear.
This season has it’s muses: women such as Paloma Picasso and Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, Duchess of Alba, all of whom embody a blend of drama and modernity. Herrera’s tailoring appears in trapeze shapes, hip structures referencing the montera cap worn by matadors, and slim tapered trousers echoing the pantalón goyesco. Sleeves, a Herrera signature, draw from the chulapas, with their pronounced shoulders and tightly cinched waists. Their ruffled skirts also appear on the runway, reinterpreted in Herrera classics.
Handbags appear on the runway with a renewed minimalist approach and philosophy that places design at the heart of functionality — pieces conceived not as accessories, but as integral elements of the Herrera silhouette. Three new designs embody this vision: the Mimi, a sculptural box clutch in leather punctuated by a playful clasp inspired by Herrera’s iconic polka dots; the Pía, a supple leather clutch animated by oversized tassels and a bold chain handle that blends ease with statement; and the Lola, a sleek clutch in polished leather or satin defined by its rounded silhouette and twin-sphere clasp, with a slender chain strap for effortless versatility.
This runway presentation is further enriched by exclusive collaborations that pay homage to Spanish craftsmanship, bridging generations and disciplines through some of the most distinguished creative talents working in Spain today. In a dialogue between established and emerging voices, Sybilla blends her iconic avant-garde sensibility with the House of Herrera’s DNA, while PALOMO reinterprets the classic Herrera white shirt in unexpected ways. Jewelry atelier ANDRESGALLARDO handcrafts the iconic carnation flower in delicate porcelain, while Levens introduces a new material language through handmade glass accessories, merging oversized Herrera pearls with botanical forms. Also showcased are Seseña’s archival cape designs, symbols of Spanish elegance worn by the likes of Carolina and Reinaldo Herrera, honoring the vibrant yet polished Madrileño spirit.
Spring Summer 2026 is a love letter to Madrid—an iconic city of contrast, precision, boldness, and beauty — seen through the kaleidoscopic lens of Carolina Herrera.
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