Carolina Herrera’s Husband, Reinaldo Herrera Guevara, Passes Away at 91
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Reinaldo Herrera Guevara, the former journalist and husband of renowned fashion designer Carolina Herrera, has sadly passed away at the age of 91. According to reports from WWD, Reinaldo died on Tuesday, March 18, at his residence in New York City, leaving behind a legacy of influence and love. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Reinaldo was an alumnus of Harvard University and Georgetown University. His professional journey began in his homeland, where he worked as a broadcaster on the morning news show Buenas Dias.
Upon his father’s passing, Reinaldo inherited the prestigious Spanish title of the 5th Marquis de Torre Casa, adding to his family’s esteemed background. In 1968, he tied the knot with Carolina Herrera in their native Venezuela before the couple relocated to New York City. In the Big Apple, Carolina’s fashion empire flourished while Reinaldo took on the role of a contributing editor at Vanity Fair. It was under Reinaldo’s encouragement that Carolina launched her debut collection in 1981, marking a significant milestone in her iconic career.
Known for their presence among New York City’s elite social circles, Reinaldo and Carolina Herrera were fixtures in the fashion and cultural scenes. Their close circle included influential figures such as the former editor-in-chief of Vogue, Diana Vreeland. The couple raised two daughters together, Carolina Adriana and Patricia Cristina, in addition to Carolina’s daughters from her previous marriage to Guillermo Behrens Tello, Mercedes Mendoza and Ana Luisa Bruchou.
Throughout the years, Reinaldo Herrera played a pivotal role in shaping the fashion landscape, notably as one of the decision-makers behind the International Best Dressed List, succeeding the esteemed Eleanor Lambert. His contributions, alongside other Vanity Fair alumni, ensured the list’s continued prestige and relevance in the industry. A testament to their enduring love, Carolina once shared, “I think I was madly in love with Reinaldo, when I was 15 or 16, but then he went to Europe. He has always been my great love.”
Upon Reinaldo’s passing, tributes poured in from those who knew him, with Graydon Carter, former editor of Vanity Fair, expressing his deep admiration and sorrow at the loss. The Carolina Herrera fashion house, under Carolina’s leadership until 2018, honoured Reinaldo’s memory through a heartfelt message shared on Instagram on March 19. The remembrance acknowledged his cultural insight, elegance, wit, and above all, his cherished roles as a husband, father, and grandfather.
Reinaldo Herrera Guevara’s presence in the world of fashion and culture leaves an indelible mark, symbolising a life well-lived and a love story that transcended decades. As those who knew and admired him continue to mourn his passing, his legacy remains a beacon of inspiration and elegance.