The new flagship

Fashion icon Carolina Herrera's first store in Israel has opened in Tel Aviv.

By ORI J. LENKINSKI
Purses 521 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Purses 521
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Last Monday, in a scene that looked like it was straight out of Hollywood, the Carolina Herrera store in Israel was officially opened. With a veritable who’s who of the local fashion world, the event consisted mainly of decked-out men and women milling around the 100-squaremeter flagship store.
Champagne and hors d’oeuvres were served as enthusiastic attendees posed for their media snapshots. Camera crews filmed the fashion icons such as Dorin Atias commenting on the festive occasion.
Situated on the top floor of the trendy Ramat Aviv Mall, the store is warm and inviting. Boasting the famed designer’s lifestyle line CH Carolina Herrera, which consists of accessories for men, women and children, the store is filled to the rafters with shoes, bags, scarves and wallets. Joining a long list of international locations, the Ramat Aviv digs certainly do the label justice.
Born in Venezuela, Herrera seems to have always been a fashion icon. From being voted Best Dressed Woman to opening her first shop in New York City, Herrera has checked off an impressive list of achievements in the fashion sector. Former stylist of Jackie Onassis and current stylist of many a celebrity, Herrera designs clothing that exudes subtle confidence.
Last year, she was chosen from a long list of designers to provide the wedding dress for the film Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1.
Herrera’s 2011/12 fall/winter clothing line, part of which is on display amid the shelves of accessories, is a nod to classic Americana, with a preppy overtone. Perhaps she is celebrating her recent naturalization as an American citizen with this collection.
Set in deep reds, camel and cream, the women’s wear evokes Jackie Onassis and a certain type of Chanel nostalgia.
Though no argument can be made against the impeccable taste level of the store, one has to wonder who will shop there. Even the most casual items are perhaps too fancy for a regular day out in Israel. It seems that once the hype dies down, clients most likely will consist of fashionable locals and tourists.
Herrera’s newest store also offers the CH collection of body lotions and perfumes. Since 1987, Herrera has been a major name in the fragrance market. Her most successful scents include 212 and Chic.
In conjunction with the opening of her store, Herrera’s body lotion for women will be available at the Super Pharm chain across the country come spring. The 200-ml. body lotion costs NIS 275.