Carolina Herrera Teaches Us the Art of Being a Lady

With cone hats, major dangling earrings, and beehive buns, the mood was firmly set for a romp through the late '60s on Park Avenue.

Mink sweaters, bell-sleeve jackets, trapeze dresses, and even a broadtail dress made for a luxe collection that Herrera referred to as "an exploration of soft construction and volume" in her show notes.

Prints played a major part, with bold red and cobalt providing the background for a firestone pattern on floating organza gowns.

Herrera graced us with crisp, clean designs as well, like this white gown that took advantage of the linear influence.

Layering geometric shapes over a coral column, the designer emphasized the importance of shapes.

Herrera gave us a lesson in geometry with linear and abstract prints.

Warm hues and bold stripes made this coat a topper you wouldn't want to take off once inside.

Structured silk and plush fur epitomized the luxury of this collection.

After a more subdued collection, Herrera made a return to glamour with her opulent Fall collection.

If anyone doubted yellow and orange go together, Herrera proved them wrong.

Mint made for a serene palette in a collection that was punctuated with pops of bold flame.

The cool Grecian influence came through in oceanic hues and decorative motifs.

Inspired by painters, Herrera's Fall 2012 collection was touched by brushstrokes.

Once again mixing prints and textures, Herrera's Fall 2012 cocktail dress was a playful party number.

Herrera defined "showstopper" with her dramatic, off-the-shoulder ballgown.

This red-carpet-worthy number was given its moment in the spotlight by Olivia Munn.

A nipped waist was balanced with the relaxed charm of this chiffon gown.

In Spring 2012, Herrera went to the birds, literally, and found inspiration from our feathered friends.

For Fall 2011, a pretty pastel blue stole the show.

Even though she's a master of color, Herrera proved that she does simple black just as impressively.

Herrera's ombré gown moved as effortlessly as the colors transitioned from top to bottom.

Herrera wasn't afraid to mix unexpected fabrics and colors.

You could spot this floral shift as a Herrera from a mile away.

Painterly botanical prints and experimental shapes made for a memorable moment.

Herrera's cocktail dress was young and playful thanks to stripes of color and a hint of shimmer.

An airy tulle wrap made this gown worthy of a princess.

Herrera played with volume in this iconic, structural gown.

The cutouts kept an otherwise covered-up design sexy.

Another bridal-worthy design in Herrera's runway would later influence her wedding designs.

Things took a turn for the laid-back at the Spring 2010 show, where billowy and pastel designs made for a relaxed collection.

Brocade looked classic when paired with opera gloves and embellished cuffs.

Undone as this dress was, it still had the Herrera refinement.

Herrera brought the glam drama to the runway for Fall 2009 with powerful mermaid gowns and off-the-shoulder numbers.

Carefully layered ribbon added a textural element to many of Herrera's Spring 2009 dresses and skirts.

Prints on prints were done in a way that only Herrera can.

Pretty ruffles enhanced the designer's Spring 2009 runway, which featured tiers of bold marigold, scarlet, and even black dresses.

Borrowing from the boys, plaid suiting was at its most feminine on the Herrera runway.

Dandy hats embraced the English country tone of the designer's autumnal collection.

For Fall 2008, Herrera went to the woods for a hunting inspiration.

Sketched flowers added extra eye appeal to these pretty prints.

One of her strongest designs, the bodice of this design looked like a warrior's chest plate.

Herrera highlighted the female form with a carefully contoured piecework print.

Embellished with sparkle, the pockets on Herrera's cocktail dress were both functional and fashionable.

The way this printed gown moved reflected the laid-back glamour of the Herrera woman.

Herrera would have you layer with nothing less glamorous than fur!

The bodice of this dress (structured and folded) is one that's seen often throughout her collections.

Sticking to a floral motif for Spring 2007, Herrera experimented with a new, boxy silhouette.

When you're wearing a dress as lovely as Herrera's, why hide it under anything less pretty?

When she does black, surprising elements like ornate beading or vibrant straps make her dresses anything but basic.

Does it get any more girlie than a pretty pink dress decked in bows?

Herrera doubled up on the prints for this airy design.

Her personal uniform occasionally makes its way onto the runway.

A frequent wearer of separates herself, Herrera knows her way around a pencil skirt.

A rich, structured red gown was Herrera through and through.

Herrera's prints look just as elegant for day as they do for evening.

Does anything flow like this gown?

Herrera's white gown served as a reminder that designing for brides is another of her strengths.

Structured suits are another telltale sign you're looking at the work of Herrera.

With the way this dress moved, you could imagine Herrera wearing it on a luxurious yachting vacation.

When Herrera does sparkle, she keeps it understated.

Color is one of Herrera's strengths, and this dress was evidence.

A true Herrera signature, this patchwork print and bold hue would become a recurring theme in future collections.

Something a bit more sleek and sporty hit the runway for Herrera's Spring 2004 collection.

This striking silhouette was given feminine appeal from a delicate bow.

Tiers of black tulle made for a stunning gown.

A rich burgundy hue added to the luxurious tone of this asymmetric cocktail dress.