Reinaldo Herrera dies at 91: aristocrat, editor, and husband of Carolina Herrera

The renowned Venezuelan aristocrat and editor Reinaldo Herrera passed away at 91 years old at his Manhattan residence. A key figure in fashion and art, he was the husband of designer Carolina Herrera, with whom he formed one of the most influential couples in American high society.

Reinaldo Herrera stood out for his sophistication and his ability to move in the most exclusive circles. He attended the legendary Studio 54 parties in the 70s as naturally as private dinners at Windsor with Queen Elizabeth II. His charisma and connections made him a key figure in opening doors for others in the world of fashion, art, and diplomacy.

A man of the world with influential connections

Raised in a renowned family in Venezuela, his father, the Marquis of Torre Casa, was portrayed by Salvador Dalí, and his mother, Mimi Herrera Uslar, was a prominent Caracas socialite. From a young age, Reinaldo Herrera was surrounded by the international elite, forging a personality that combined diplomacy, culture, and elegance. Before marrying Carolina Herrera, he had romances with figures like the first wife of Aristotle Onassis and was associated with the Rothschilds and the Agnellis.

The drive of Carolina Herrera and his role in Vanity Fair

In 1968 he married Carolina Herrera, who was not yet the iconic haute couture designer. In 1980, the couple moved to New York, where she began her successful career in fashion design. Reinaldo always encouraged her to take the step: "You can do it and you have to do it," he would repeat to her. In 1981, Carolina presented her first collection, with a show that attracted figures like Andy Warhol and Bianca Jagger, marking the beginning of her fashion empire.

Together, they became one of the most powerful couples in the Big Apple, with connections in art, politics, and finance. They were regulars at events like the MET Gala,MoMA openings, and White House receptions. Among their circles were Estée Lauder, Oscar de la Renta, Anna Wintour, the Rockefellers, and European royalty.

His entry into Vanity Fair was casual but decisive. In the 80s, his friend Billy Rainer told him about the magazine's relaunch under Tina Brown. Intrigued, he met with her and, in just 20 minutes, was fascinated. Reinaldo began collaborating as a special projects manager, securing exclusive interviews with figures like Imelda Marcos, Yasser Arafat, and Muammar Gaddafi. His journalistic diplomacy made him a key piece within the publication.

A legacy of elegance and social connection

Reinaldo Herrera not only had access to high society but knew how to achieve the impossible. In 1978, while walking down Regent Street in London, he saw a maroon Rolls-Royce with Queen Elizabeth II inside. With a spontaneous gesture, he made an exaggerated bow, and to his surprise, the monarch returned the greeting. These kinds of anecdotes reflect his innate ability to connect with the world's most influential figures.

Herrera also played a key role in the International Best Dressed List of Vanity Fair, one of the most prestigious fashion lists, considered the equivalent of the Gotha of aristocracy. His judgment and style helped maintain its exclusivity and relevance.

In his Upper East Side home, where he shared his life with Carolina Herrera, portraits by Dalí and works by Cecil Beaton are displayed. On those walls, dinners were held for personalities like Nancy Reagan and figures from royalty and politics.

Reinaldo Herrera was much more than the husband of an iconic designer. He was a man who understood the value of elegance, diplomacy, and charisma. He knew how to be in the right place at the right time, leaving an indelible legacy in the world of fashion, art, and high society.