NEW YORK, Feb 7, 2007 / FW --- When describing a Carolina Herrera collection, superlatives always come to mind. And Fall 2007 is no exception with the added treat of couture elements worked into ready-to-wear.

Slim silhouettes on sharply tailored dresses and gowns featured artistic details that were executed couture-style. Cases in point - gray shift embellished with laser cut minute trellis or the gray & white dress with elongated carbon atoms done in appliqué.

And, there is the ‘traditional’ couture treatment such as beading. Carolina Herrera put those on very contemporary shapes like a sunburst of multi-shaped, multi-sized, & multi-color semi-precious stones around the flaps of pockets.

Several gowns can easily be Oscar-bound, like the willowy gown with a keyhole neckline, encrusted with crystals on the neck, waist and on the skirt.

Though a favorite among the Hollywood elite, Carolina Herrera was not just thinking of Hollywood. She sent skirt suits with a trapeze jacket trimmed with fur, a sleeveless gray tunic with pleats in front adorned with black crystals and layered under a matching coat.

And though this question maybe reaching, even way off the mark, one cannot help but wonder if Carolina Herrera is Paris-bound for haute couture?

As one of the strongest houses in the Puig Group stable, and with no American currently showing (Ralph Rucci now unveils his couture collection here in New York), the timing and the circumstances are optimal.

Add to the equation that for the past several seasons, Carolina Herrera’s signature style now includes artistic detailing, seeing her raise the banner for the U.S. as an invited member, then a correspondent member of Haute Couture is a heartwarming thought.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera