Inside Sarah Oliphant’s Work for Fall 26

As part of Carolina Herrera for Women in the Arts and for Fall 26, Creative Director Wes Gordon collaborated with scenic artist Sarah Oliphant of Oliphant Studio, who created a series of hand-painted murals for the runway venue in New York.

Where Colour Becomes Space

A specialist in large-scale scenic painting, Sarah approaches space through what she describes as “the emotional intent of color.” After meeting with the design team and studying the collection’s palette, she began experimenting directly on canvas – breaking it into sections, layering textures, and allowing each surface to develop its own atmosphere.

“Each of these areas is its own little backdrop” she explains. Imperfection and gesture are central to her process. “When you're in here, you want to feel that a human being did it.”

— Sarah Oliphant

Woman at the Heart of Creation

Sarah’s studio practice is also shaped by a strong sense of community. “We work mostly with women at my studio,” she shares. “There’s more unity, less competition. I always want girls to come by the studio to see that you can think it out, you can work hard, you can make it.”

The result was an immersive environment composed of distinct painted panels, each shifting subtly in tone and texture. Rather than functioning as a neutral backdrop, the murals introduced depth and rhythm to the space, framing the collection through color and materiality.

Carolina Herrera Fall 26

Did you miss the show? Experience the Carolina Herrera Resort 2025 runway presentation and discover Sarah Oliphant’s paintings woven into the set décor.

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