She never dreamt of being a household name, but designer Carolina Herrera has found the type of success most designers dream of.<br/> <br />Born in Venezuela to an affluent family, she spent her childhood riding horses, playing tennis and pursuing other favorite pastimes.<br/> <br />In 1980 Herrera decided to pursue a career in fashion after getting the nod of approval from Vogue's editor-in-chief at the time, Diana Vreeland.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Caroline Herrera, designer, saying, (English):<br/> <br />"And I said you know, 'I think I want to be a designer for material, for fabrics.' And she looked at me straight in the eyes and said, 'Oh my dear, how boring that is. You can't. You have to do something else. Why don't you try to have a collection, or a whole collection from daytime to evening and try to do something like that, which you will like much better.' She gave me the idea,"<br/> <br />She showed her first collection in New York in 1981 and instantly received rave reviews.<br/> <br />In 1987, she expanded her women's line with bridal gowns.<br/> <br />Fragrances followed in 1988, and now she has 11 successful scents.<br/> <br />2001 saw the launch of CH Carolina Herrera, a more casual lifestyle brand.<br/> <br />Asked to describe how she feels about success, the 73-year-old designer has mixed emotions.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Caroline Herrera, designer, saying, (English):<br/> <br />"My favorite part is the creative side, that's my favorite. So now I am really in heaven because I'm working in the new collection. The worst part - the interviews."<br/> <br />In conversation with Carolina Herrera, most topics seem safe - except the "R" word, as in "retire."<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Caroline Herrera, designer, saying, (English):<br/> <br />"Why do people ask that question? Is it because of the age."<br/> <br />[REPORTER QUESTION: " After 30 years, does it get old?"]<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Caroline Herrera, designer, saying, (English):<br/> <br />"When you do something that you like and you think you can keep doing it, you don't think about retiring. And this is a private company so I don't have to retire."<br/> <br />Alicia Powell, Reuters.
