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The world of fashion and international high society mourns the loss of Reinaldo Herrera, husband of the renowned designer Carolina Herrera. The Venezuelan aristocrat passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the age of 91, in his Manhattan home, leaving a profound void among his loved ones and all those fortunate enough to have known him. Possessing an unmatched charisma and a golden address book, Reinaldo was a prominent figure in the most exclusive circles, where his presence was always synonymous with elegance and distinction.
© Eugene Gologursky/WireImageThe news was shared by close friends and associates, including Ali Cordero Casal, the Venezuelan American Endowment for the Arts (VAEA), and Venezuelan communicator Titina Penzini, among others. Penzini expressed her sorrow on social media with an emotional message: "You will always be remembered with great affection, Reinaldo. My deepest condolences to my dear Carolina, Mercedes, Ana Luisa, Carolina Jr., Patricia, and the entire family."
The VAEA also paid tribute, stating, "We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Reinaldo Herrera Guevara—a remarkable journalist, a devoted patron of the arts, a true icon of style, and a steadfast supporter of the Venezuelan American Endowment for the Arts during his tenure as Chairman of our Board of Advisors. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Carolina Pacanins de Herrera, and his daughters, Ana Luisa, Mercedes, Carolina, and Patricia." They included a note about a second image featuring Herrera Guevara with VAEA Chairman Ali Cordero Casal during the VAEA Gala 2018. So far, neither Carolina Herrera nor her daughters have commented publicly on the loss.
© JP YimA man of world an elegance
Reinaldo Herrera was not only Carolina Herrera's life partner but also a key figure in high society and the fashion industry. The son of aristocrat Reinaldo Herrera Uslar, Marquis of Torre Casa, his life was marked by luxury and exclusivity from birth. Over the years, he became an influential editor at Vanity Fair, responsible for the coveted lists of the world’s best-dressed individuals. It was in one of those lists, in 1971, that his wife, Carolina Herrera, was first highlighted, marking the beginning of her iconic fashion career. He also collaborated with prestigious publications like Town & Country, where his columns were eagerly read and celebrated by lovers of refinement and sophistication.
© Ron Galella, Ltd.For the designer, Reinaldo was a fundamental support in the early years of her career. His charisma and extensive network of contacts enabled her to connect with influential figures such as Andy Warhol and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. His backing was crucial in establishing the CH brand, now synonymous with sophistication and luxury worldwide. His ties to New York high society helped Carolina Herrera expand her brand and position it as one of the most influential designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The love story of Carolina Herrera and Reinaldo
The love story between Carolina and Reinaldo Herrera dates back to their native Caracas, where they met while she was working for the Pucci firm. In 1968, a year after her divorce from Guillermo Behrens Tello, Carolina married Reinaldo, taking his surname, which would later become a hallmark of global elegance.
© Europa Press EntertainmentFrom their marriage, Carolina Adriana and Patricia Cristina Herrera were born, joining Mercedes and Ana Luisa, the designer’s daughters from her first marriage. Together, Reinaldo and Carolina built an empire of sophistication, becoming one of New York’s most iconic couples. At every public appearance, their complicity, affection, and mutual respect were evident, making them one of the most envied and admired couples in the fashion world.
© Europa Press Entertainment
© Thos RobinsonAn Exclusive Circle of Friends
Reinaldo Herrera was a truly global figure. He moved effortlessly through royal receptions and the exclusive parties of Studio 54, while cultivating friendships with figures from European royalty, the Rockefellers, Estée Lauder, Oscar de la Renta, and Anna Wintour. His role as an editor at Vanity Fair allowed him to develop an unmatched journalistic diplomacy, securing interviews with international leaders such as Yasser Arafat and Muammar Gaddafi.
© WWDIn addition to his editorial work, Herrera was a passionate art enthusiast and collector. In his Upper East Side home, adorned with portraits by Dalí and photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe, he hosted dinners with prominent figures from politics and the arts, ranging from the Kennedy family to Infanta Elena of Spain. He was also a profound connoisseur of Venezuelan history and culture, contributing to the international promotion of his native country’s rich artistic heritage.
© Ron Galella via Getty ImagesThe private funeral Mass will be held next Friday at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in New York, after which his remains will be transferred to Caracas, his hometown. Thus, the Venezuelan aristocrat returns to his country, leaving behind a legacy of elegance, intelligence, and diplomacy.
Beyond his role as Carolina Herrera’s husband, Reinaldo Herrera leaves an indelible legacy in the worlds of fashion and high society. His keen sense of style and gift for public relations made him a benchmark of good taste. He was, without a doubt, an architect of elegance, whose influence extended beyond his time, establishing him as a visionary.
