Carolina Herrera Slacks Off for No One--Especially Those Who Pant After Fads

P ant- emonium broke out when New York designer Carolina Herrera unveiled her fall 1993 collection Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency Irvine for the Angelitos de Oro annual fund-raiser for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Orange County.

Herrera showed pants for day, evening and just about every dressy occasion. Never one to bow to fads, the Venezuelan-born designer showed no bell-bottoms. What she did present to the 500 lunching supporters were fluid trousers in pebble crepe, satin, velvet with pockets covered in jet beads and multilayers of chiffon.

“I’m a little tired of the see-through look,” Herrera said Tuesday from her suite at the Four Seasons in Newport Beach. “I’m working with very soft, light materials that will work for fall and go into spring. I made clothes that are very wearable, very realistic for the ‘90s.”

That includes a series of jackets, many hip-length, mostly collarless. One show-stopping jacket in rich velvet burgundy hit a few inches above the ankle and wrapped the neck with a mandarin collar. Structured, military-inspired jackets also made an appearance.

In addition to pants, another oft-seen feature was ruffles--on several blouses at sleeve cuffs and at the neck with a mini Pierrot collar. As a counterpoint, sleek, fitted evening gowns had simple jewel necklines.

The fluid theme continued with the special occasion category, with flowing chiffon and organza skirts and pants. Shoulders were soft, yet not rounded, and sometimes elegantly exposed. One set sparkled with black rhinestones and chenille trim applied to a tulle bodice. Black dominated evening.

For day neutrals, taupes, navy and chocolate lightened the mood. The accessory for day wear was the beret in colorful suedes and wool.

About 70 outfits were exhibited during the 30-minute fashion show, which was presented by Neiman Marcus Fashion Island. The ready-to-wear collection is available through special order.