Reinaldo Herrera, Venezuelan aristocrat, fashion Icon, dies at 91

Reinaldo Herrera, husband of renowned designer Carolina Herrera, passed away on 18 March 2025, at 91 in his Manhattan home. A distinguished Venezuelan aristocrat, he was celebrated for his charisma, refined taste, and influence in high society and fashion.

Born into nobility as the son of Reinaldo Herrera Uslar, the Marquis of Torre Casa, he was immersed in a world of sophistication. His career as an editor at Vanity Fair placed him at the forefront of fashion, curating best-dressed lists that helped elevate Carolina Herrera’s name in 1971. He also wrote for Town & Country, where his insights on luxury and culture were highly regarded.

Reinaldo played a pivotal role in Carolina’s rise, connecting her with icons like Andy Warhol and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Their marriage, which began in Caracas in 1968, blended family and business, making them one of fashion’s most admired couples.

A fixture in elite circles, Reinaldo moved seamlessly between royal gatherings, Studio 54 parties, and diplomatic meetings. He fostered friendships with figures like the Rockefellers, Estée Lauder, and Oscar de la Renta. His Upper East Side home, adorned with art by Salvador Dalí and Robert Mapplethorpe, became a hub for cultural and political elites.

A passionate advocate for the arts, he also promoted Venezuelan culture on the world stage. His private funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in New York, after which he will be laid to rest in Caracas.

Reinaldo Herrera’s legacy extends beyond his marriage to Carolina Herrera — he was a key figure in fashion, journalism, and high society, leaving behind an enduring mark of elegance and influence.