The ladies who lunch love her. Hollywood's IT girls go gaga for her gowns. And so do South Florida's socialites who swoon at the very mention of her name -- Carolina Herrera.

For the past 25 years, the Venezuelan designer's collections have been synonymous with impeccable style and elegance.

``As a young girl, I didn't have any idea I'd be in fashion,'' says Herrera, 70. ``I do remember always undressing my dolls. Maybe I didn't like what they were wearing?''

Clad in her signature crisp-white shirt, tea-length skirt and Oscar de la Renta heels, Herrera was in town toasting the opening of her fourth free-standing eponymous U.S. boutique at Bal Harbour Shops. She was also showcasing her spring 2010 collection -- ``inspired by sunsets'' -- at the 11th annual Jackson Memorial Foundation's Guardian Angels luncheon at the InterContinental Hotel.

Born in Caracas to an aristocratic family, Herrera enjoyed a privileged upbringing, which evolved into hobnobbing with the international crowd. At age 13, she attended her first couture show -- Cristobal Balenciaga's -- with her grandmother. Eventually, at the urging of fashion legend Diana Vreeland, Herrera created her first collection in 1980.

Countless collections sold around the world, eight fragrances, a lifestyle line called CH Carolina Herrera, bridal gowns, accessories and several Council of Fashion Designers of America awards later, it's safe to say Herrera is a fashion force to be reckoned with.

A self-professed late bloomer, she says, ``I started later in life. You have to do things that you really feel and like in this life. The more I do it, the more I like it.''

Inspired by her everyday life -- books, movies, paintings -- Herrera is most fulfilled by her burgeoning brood -- four daughters, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Best known for exquisitely detailed suits, dresses and gowns, Herrera hones the ability to appeal to every generation. ``My collections are classic with a very modern twist,'' she says. ``I don't pay attention to trends because I find them very boring; everybody looks the same. For me, creativity and individuality is key to fashion. Why can't you be more creative and wear something that nobody else has?''

-- MARIA TETTAMANTI

Maria@miami.com

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