Prior to launching her first collection in 1980, Carolina Herrera was famous as a beauty and socialite who regularly appeared on the International Best Dressed List. Pencil skirts paired with crisp white cotton shirts, slim tailored trousers, nipped-waist jackets, and long organza gowns have become wardrobe staples for the sleek, chic, and glamorous. In 2008 she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

"Intuition is a strong feminine quality. I have applied that instinct to my career. I didn't go to a fashion-design school. But I know what to do about proportion, about color, about shape."