It Takes a Strong Woman to Wear Oscar de la Renta

When it comes to wearing Oscar de la Renta, real women need only apply—and that's just how he wanted it. The iconic designer captured the strength and beauty in each client, a task made easier when said clients possessed an abundance of both. With a roster that included every first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy (with Michelle Obama first donning the label just a few weeks ago) and Hollywood elite like Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Biel and Oprah, it wasn't hard to be inspired by the "sultan of suave." But more than his dresses even, his words drew us in. The Dominican-born couturier always carried a positive message, and put it best when he once said, "My job as a designer is to make a woman feel her very best." One look at these women, and you'll have to agree that Mr. de la Renta always succeeded.