Creative fragrance director and now handbag designer, Carolina Herrera de Báez is a woman of many talents. StyleNest takes five minutes with the mum of three, Carolina Junior to find out the inspiration behind her new Matryoshka Handbag Capsule Collection and her essential style tips.

Carolina Herrera de Báez tells us what its like travelling from country to country and passes on key wisdom from her mum, Carolina Herrera.

What was your inspiration behind your design for Mini Matryoshka Handbag Capsule Collection?

This collection was inspired by the Carolina Herrera 2012 Spring/Summer collection, that takes a look at Bauhaus. I chose the smallest size of the Matryoshka collection because I find small size handbags are more feminine.
  
 

How long did it take you to come up with your design and what was the design process?

I’ve always had in mind this project, so when I saw my mother’s collection the inspiration was complete. This process was done by hand and to come up with the right tones and combinations was the most challenging.

Can you give StyleNest any exciting inside news on any current or future projects you might be working on?


For now I am going to continue with the development and creation of new perfumes. We have a new mens’s fragance this year (CH Sport), the CH Pink fragrance to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness in October and a new women’s fragrance next spring. I am also working on a special edition capsule collection and the children’s collections that I design for CH.

As the Creative Fragrance Director how do you come up with different fragrances? Are they based on trends or personal instinct?

They are usually inspired by memories from my life, or things that have made an impact. For example, CH L’Eau is a fresh floral fragrance made with 13 different flowers. I wanted a perfume that is remeniscent of a bouquet of flowers. I adore flowers and everything related with them. On the other hand, CH Men Sport is inspired by the long weekends with friends I used to spend in the East Coast when I lived in New York. The smell of the salty breeze, the ocean, sun kissed skin and wood remind me of those days. 
 


You are working mum of three. What do you do for some well deserved “me time”?

All sorts. 
I love to drive alone, read, go to the movies, go on hikes, have a massage, do Bikram yoga, jog, listen to music and cook.  
 


You have a very creative family. What do you do with your children to help keep the creativity alive?

They love to go to the theatre (as long as it’s not too long), listen to music and paint. We try and do fun things without being too academic. There is nothing like free play.

Style is obviously in your blood. What are your favourite brand of jeans and why?

I love Rag & Bone. The quality is great and they fit well. Also, J Crew jeans are an easy fit.

Who are your favourite designers?

Carolina Herrera, Valentino, Lanvin and Chloe.

Your mum is obviously a big inspiration to you. What is the best advice she has ever given you?


Be positive, trust my first instinct, not to believe everything (good and bad) that is said and that family always comes first.
 


You divide yourself between three homes. How do you manage a beauty regime that keeps you looking so youthful?

Really, I think happiness is the key. 



Your South American heritage is deeply rooted. How do you try to instil that in your children?

In many ways. They spend time with their Venezuelan side of the family, they love Venezuelan food and they always ask me to tell them stories about their childhood. My eldest daughter celebrated her 1st birthday in Caracas.  
 


Family is obviously a big part of your life. How do you balance being a working mum?

It is a matter of organisation and discipline. Everything has its place and time. 
Sometimes I miss something that I would like not to, but for me the most important thing is my family. That is very clear.

Do you work closely with your mum? If so, what advice would you give to someone working in a family business?


Treat everyone the same regardless of who they are.
 


When you are not busy working, what do you enjoy doing with the family?

I love to spend time in our house in the country. That’s where I am the happiest and most relaxed surrounded by my family, my dogs and usually, many friends.

What fashion spots have you made this season that your wardrobe won’t be without?

CH ballerinas in every color combination possible, heart print sun dresses, some great bikinis I bought in Brazil and a Panama hat.

Can you clue our readers on any style tips and future trends?


Less is more. Dress according to what looks good on you, not what looks good on models or on the runway and in fashion magazines.

What’s your motto?


Live and let live.

To view the Mini Matryoshka Handbag Capsule Collection, click here.