Carolina Herrera's Fall 2026 Runway Belonged to Women Artists

Creative director Wes Gordon honored a community of female creatives, from painters to photographers, in his latest collection.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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For Carolina Herrera's Fall 2026 runway show, creative director Wes Gordon paid tribute to a community of women artists, designers, and cultural figures who have inspired him. The collection featured elegant silhouettes and vibrant colors, while the presentation itself included murals by artist Sarah Oliphant and a cast of models who were themselves accomplished creatives, including photographer Ming Smith, painter Amy Sherald, and gallerist Hannah Traore.

Why it matters

Carolina Herrera has long maintained close ties with the art world, and this latest collection continues the brand's commitment to supporting and celebrating female artists. By integrating their work and presence into the runway show, Gordon highlighted the vital role that women play in shaping culture and creativity.

The details

The Fall 2026 collection featured sculpted and puffed silhouettes, with a range of floral and animal prints in a palette of vibrant reds, blues, and neutrals. The presentation took place in an expansive venue in the Meatpacking District, with walls adorned by Oliphant's handpainted murals that complemented the collection's colors and themes. In addition to the models, the runway also featured a cast of women artists and cultural figures, including photographer Ming Smith, painter Amy Sherald, gallerist Hannah Traore, artist Anh Duong, sculptor Rachel Feinstein, and Feinstein's daughter Flora.

  • The Carolina Herrera Fall 2026 runway show took place on a brisk February morning in New York during New York Fashion Week.

The players

Wes Gordon

The creative director of Carolina Herrera, who designed the Fall 2026 collection as a tribute to the women artists and creatives who have inspired him.

Sarah Oliphant

An artist who created the handpainted murals that adorned the walls of the runway venue, taking cues from the collection's colors and themes.

Ming Smith

A photographer who walked the Carolina Herrera runway, known for her black-and-white images that capture the energy and life beyond the frame.

Amy Sherald

A painter who walked the runway, admired by Gordon for the "quiet strength" of her work.

Hannah Traore

A gallerist who walked the runway, reflecting Gordon's appreciation for her "clear eye and commitment to the artists she supports."

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What they’re saying

“This collection really began with a community of women—past and present—whose work I've long admired. These are women who shape and move culture forward—artists, muses, gallerists, curators, collectors… this show is my way of honoring lives dedicated to creativity and self-expression.”

— Wes Gordon, Creative Director, Carolina Herrera (artnet.com)

“Wes was the best. He brought up Hitchcock, I brought up Fellini.”

— Ming Smith (artnet.com)

“The design was so beautiful, so elegant. I just thought about her when I was wearing that coat.”

— Ming Smith (artnet.com)

The takeaway

Carolina Herrera's Fall 2026 runway show demonstrated the brand's ongoing commitment to supporting and celebrating female artists and creatives, using the platform of fashion to honor their vital contributions to culture and creativity.