Carolina Herrera’s husband and business partner passes away at 91.

BY BEATRICE RANGEL

Reinaldo Herrera’s passing closes an outstanding chapter of Latin American entrepreneurship and contribution to create a global asset. Nee Reinaldo Herrera Guevara he enjoyed the best education, as his father not only was the scion of a family that was part of Venezuelan history as entrepreneurs and bearers of the Torres Casas Marquesan.

Reinaldo Herrera was educated at Harvard and Georgetown where he developed a keen interest in history and foreign affairs and, in particular, in knowing those who shaped the world’s destiny. Upon returning to Caracas, he was the driving force in creating a morning talk show known as Buenos Dias where he shared the screen with writer Carlos Rangel and journalist and art collector Sofia Imber. The show had raving ratings as while Carlos and Sofia discussed Venezuelan politics and current events Reinaldo opened the viewers eyes to see the world of global achievement and success through discipline and smooth performance.

He married the love of his life Carolina Pacanis, who was not only a woman of superb beauty, but one of the cleverest and hardest working women in the country. When Carolina decided to create a fashion brand, Reinaldo championed the project and along with her provided the needed support in terms of planning; accessing sources of funding; creating a viable enterprise and resorting to his extensive network of celebrities worldwide.

As an advisor to Vanity Fair, Reinaldo was the source of inspiring and formidable interviews. His participation in a quite distinguished group of individuals that launched the list of best-dressed ladies in the world was a launching board to style consulting services.

He was sure of himself and disciplined and visionary. These virtues were key to the successful establishment of a global brand such as Carolina Herrera. The brand revolutionized fashion through simplicity. Carolina Herrera’s creations are cocoon for simple elegance and subdued charm as they seem to highlight the eternal feminine of users.

And he never took credit for any of his contributions leaving the center stage to Carolina. This is a particularly remarkable demeanor from a man born in Latin America where women’s contributions are not subject to public regard. On the contrary, most clever women are the invisible advisor of their husbands or partners.

But above all Reinaldo Herrera was a true gentleman who valued human dignity. He was soft and charming with every single human being that came across him. From his perspective all humans deserve respect and care. He was thus beloved by everyone who crossed his path. He will be remembered as the last true gentleman to live in the realm of worldwide celebrities.

Beatrice Rangel is the Managing Director for AMLA Consulting. She served as chief of staff and minister of the secretariat under the administration of President Carlos Andrés Pérez in Venezuela.

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