Exclusive: Meet Carolina Herrera's granddaughter as she prepares to make her grand debut to society at Le Bal des Debutantes
Carolina Lansing, the granddaughter of iconic fashion designer Carolina Herrera, is one of the debutantes set to make her grand debut at Le Bal des Debutantes in Paris on November 29. She opens up to HELLO! in a joint interview with her grandmother and her mother, Patricia Carolina Herrera Lansing
Since the Fifties, youthful elegance in Parisian high society has reached an annual pinnacle at one event in the French social calendar: Le Bal. Le Bal des Débutantes, to give the occasion its full name, is renowned for gathering bright young things from around the world to dazzle in haute couture.
One of the most anticipated guests at this year’s ball, on 29 November, is Carolina Lansing, granddaughter of the Venezuelan‑born fashion maven Carolina Herrera, whose designs have been worn by Jacqueline Onassis, Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. The younger Carolina, 21, who is studying communications at university in America, will join a roster of debutantes to have come out at Le Bal that includes Lady Amelia Windsor and Lady Kitty Spencer.
Carolina Lansing, granddaughter of the fashion maven Carolina Herrera, is making her grand debut at Le Bal des Debutantes
Also attending this year will be Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill, daughter of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, Bronwyn Vance, daughter of the actress Angela Bassett, and Jillian Chan, daughter of the actress Sandra Ng. Carolina will wear a black-and-white polka-dot strapless dress designed for her by Wes Gordon, who took over as creative director of Carolina Herrera in 2018, when the founder of the fashion house stepped aside.
Like all debutantes, she will be accompanied by a 'cavalier”, or male companion – in this case, her younger brother Magnus. Our dance lessons are a bit chaotic, but so fun, and we can’t wait to experience this together,” she tells HELLO! in a joint interview with her grandmother and her mother, Patricia Carolina Herrera Lansing.
Like all debutantes, she will be accompanied by a 'cavalier' or male companion
CAROLINA LANSING
Carolina, what does participating in Le Bal mean to you?
I'm proud to be a part of something so historical and meaningful, which showcases the elegance and excellence of women worldwide.
What is the story behind the dress you’ve chosen for the ball?
Wes and I wanted to pay homage to my grandmother. He is so talented, and it’s so moving to have him work on this with me and see his vision come to life. This dress is a nod to my grandma’s first collection; the black-and-white and polka-dots are reminiscent of it, and are also a classic Carolina Herrera look. Plus we’ve woven a little yellow bow on to the inside hem to pay homage to the first Good Girl perfume.
How do you identify with your grandmother?
I'm proud to share her name and hope to be as elegant and chic as she is, someday… still a work in progress.
What is your style vision? Who are your favourite designers?
Couture via street wear. Anything from vintage Dior to couture to Carolina Herrera – of course – to Supreme to Adidas to Clare V.
What are you studying?
Communications with an emphasis on Spanish and the music business.
Have you thought about getting involved professionally in the fashion industry?
I'm interested in music and fashion, and have always appreciated fashion.
Is there a family value, ritual or life lesson that you treasure?
Family comes first, and manners.
What is your relationship with social media? How would you like to be seen?
Reserved and private. I'm proud to be the 'daughter and granddaughter of', but would love to be known as Carolina Lansing.
What does elegance mean to you today?
Elegance is my family.
What is your favourite piece of clothing that your mother or grandmother has given you?
I'm lucky to have not just one piece, but many. But if I had to pick one, it would be the Seventies top that my grandmother passed to my mother, who gave it to me.
'I'm always proud of everything Carolina does and wants to do. It's a special moment for her', Carolina Herrera says of her granddaughter
PATRICIA CAROLINA HERRERA LANSING
Patricia, how did the idea of Carolina’s participation in Le Bal arise and how did you react?
The idea arose from the happiest coincidence – a chance meeting with a friend. My [immediate] reaction was 'yes!', and then excitement about the dress.
As a mother, what emotions are you experiencing during this process?
We Herreras are a bit clutzy, and my initial fear was that the waltz might not go without a hitch.
What role did you have in the preparations?
Carolina knew what she wanted, and Wes and my mother were brilliant. I helped with any doubts she had, which were few, due to the beauty that Wes designed. It was such a fun process.
What do you hope this event will bring to Carolina's life?
I hope it brings happiness, curiosity and friendships, and that it opens up her world more.
Pick up the latest issue of HELLO! on sale in the UK now to read the full interview. You can subscribe to HELLO! to get the magazine delivered free to your door every week or purchase the digital edition online via our Apple or Google apps.
Credits
Photos
Daniel Paik/Bestimage
Couture house
Carolina Herrera
The partners of le Bal
Shangri-La Paris (hotel), V MUSE (jeweller), Laurent-Perrier (champagne)
The charities of le Bal
ARCFA – Association for the Cardiology Research from Fetus to Adult at Hospital Necker-Enfants Malades, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
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