“...women were inspired by a mannish way of dressing, but today liberated women realize they can wear skirts and use them as a weapon.” - Oscar de la Renta
This is one of my favourite quotes by the late De la Renta. Why? For centuries women have been oppressed & men ruled the world. Today, at least in the western world there's more "equality"...This is my favourite quote Because in today's day there seems to be confusion between what feminism means. For me, feminism as a liberated and radiant woman! The word feminism seems to have a negative connotation, often tending to an extremist point of view. However, everyone who believes in the equality of genders, is in fact a feminist.
"I think of feminism as a liberated and radiant woman!" - Natalia Solar, Founder of Nomadic Beauty Blog
About a decade or more ago women dressed in more box like clothing (shoulder pads, straight suits, loose clothing) to have more shape of a man as they entered the work force, mostly to get respect from their co-workers (men).
Now that women have a place in the work force & are respected (for the most part) we've relaxed and now it feels like there is an new age coming upon us that is encouraging women to embrace their femininity. This is something that I feel that Oscar de la Renta represented in his designs.
After his death, I spent an afternoon researching about him. The quotes and images that I found are very heart-warming. His philosophy in his designs were for his designs to let the woman shine and not over power her. He understood the woman body and clearly understood & respected women.
His designs are classic, elaborate & detailed. The elegance is incomprehensible! As a creative consultant and professional makeup artist, my respect comes from knowing the sheer talent and skill level that is necessary to exude the kind of work Oscar de la Renta exuded.
I think a woman embracing her body is one of the most beautiful things to see, and obviously Oscar agreed with me too as he draped women in beautiful gowns that let them shine, which is my exact philosophy about makeup. Let the makeup make you shine, because the focus is YOU, not the makeup itself.
Feminist or not, it is time for women to stop looking for ways to hide yourself. Instead, find ways to help yourself shine, things and ways to enhance you! You're a woman and you are powerful! Use it!
Deep down, no one wants to see a front, people just want to see the real you. Expression is everything. So...WHO are you? Do you RADIATE who you truly are?
