Oscar de la Renta: 'This is the century of the woman.'

Last night at the French Institute Alliance Francaise, the designer discussed women and femininity:

"My role as a designer is to dress the comfortable woman, to make her feel her best. At times I remember back in the seventies when women’s lib, and women integrating herself in a so-called men’s world. A way to be part of that world is to dress in a pants suit in beige or gray. Today, a woman knows being a woman, feeling like a woman, putting on lipstick, feeling wonderful is very important. The power of her femininity is an important asset. I keep saying this is the century of the woman."

Preach it, Oscar. For the rest of the designer's speech click here.

Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images