Under the shadow of Diego Rivera’s architectural masterpiece, Museo Anahuacalli, Carolina Herrera unveiled its Resort 2025 collection in Mexico City. Creative Director Wes Gordon orchestrated a runway that was as much a love letter to Mexico’s rich heritage as it was a showcase of fashion innovation.
This collection marks a pivotal moment in the House of Herrera’s longstanding connection with Mexico—a relationship that began with founder Carolina Herrera’s own deep ties to the country. Wes Gordon continues this narrative, diving into Mexico’s diverse landscapes, traditions, and crafts to breathe life into his designs.
At the heart of the collection are collaborations with four remarkable Mexican female artisans, whose unique creations were seamlessly integrated into the lineup. These pieces celebrate the pinnacle of Mexican artistry and honor the cultural roots from which they sprang.
Embroidery maestro María de los Ángeles Licona San Juan, known as Maestra Nähñu from El Nanthe in Hidalgo, brought eight cotton garments to life with her vibrant needlework. “Fabric is my notebook, and the needle is my pen,” she says. Her daughter, Bibiana Hernández, adds, “In this project, we’ve been able to express ourselves. It’s a way to make ourselves seen and heard.”
From the slopes of La Malinche volcano in Tlaxcala, Virginia Verónica Arce Arce infuses her embroidery with the natural beauty that surrounds her. Taught by her father at 15, she’s dedicated her life to preserving this vital part of her community’s identity. Her intricate lacework graces three standout dresses in the collection.
Also from Tlaxcala, Jacqueline España reimagines talavera—the traditional white and blue glazed ceramic—beyond its conventional confines. A chemical engineer by training, she was drawn back to her roots. “Here, talavera is like a relic, stored away or used as decoration for special occasions. I wanted to carry it with me daily,” España explains. Her hand-painted talavera embellishments and jewelry adorn various pieces, marrying heritage with modernity. “As a talavera artisan, I am committed to preserving the heritage passed down to me, safeguarding its essence and promoting innovation,” she says.
In Oaxaca de Juárez, a hub of Mexican craftsmanship, Araceli Nibra Matadamas collaborates with local artisans to reinterpret traditional pieces through a contemporary lens. Using paint, embroidery, macramé, and more, she transforms jícaras—bowl-like vessels made from dried gourds—into wearable art. “I’m inspired by nature, with colors reflecting the seasons, plants, flowers, and even the sky at sunset,” she notes.
These exclusive pieces, available for special order, debuted alongside the ready-to-wear collection, which for the first time embraced a ‘see now, buy now’ model.
Adding a modern twist, the collection introduced a denim capsule in collaboration with FRAME Denim, blending casual elegance with Herrera’s signature sophistication. Evening wear took on bold dimensions, some silhouettes nodding to the iconic Spanish flamenco dress that the brand has reimagined over the years.
“Mexico City is the epicenter of the best of art, architecture, cuisine, and culture, and the country is home to incomparable beauty and craftsmanship through its talented artisans,” says Wes Gordon. “I am honored to have the chance to partner with them and showcase this collection on the extraordinary stage of Museo Anahuacalli.”
The venue itself was a narrative in stone and mortar. Completed in 1964, Museo Anahuacalli—a collaboration between Diego Rivera, his daughter Ruth Rivera Marín, and architect Juan O’Gorman—houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian art within architecture inspired by Mesoamerican structures. Models navigated the volcanic stone courtyard, draped in signature Herrera reds and pinks, harmonizing with surroundings that pay homage to deities like Chicomecóatl (earth), Ehécatl Quetzalcóatl (wind), Tláloc (water), and Huehuetéotl (fire).
Carolina Herrera’s Resort 2025 wasn’t just a fashion show; it was a cultural symphony—a melding of past and present, tradition and innovation, all set against the backdrop of Mexico’s profound artistic legacy.
