Diane von Furstenberg: A Life in Fashion

Cruise through the canals of Venice and it’s evident why Diane von Furstenberg, a name iconic in fashion, calls this city home. She spends about five months each year in Venice, a place she describes as her stage for thinking and creating.

The Birth of an Icon

At 79, Diane von Furstenberg, also known as DVF, made her mark in the 1970s. Her fame rose from a single piece of clothing: the wrap dress. Inspired by ballerina tops, this dress was known for being comfortable, practical, and affordable. The concept for the wrap dress originated in 1974 when von Furstenberg noticed Julie Eisenhower wearing one of her wrap tops paired with a skirt. This revelation led to the creation of the iconic dress, selling a million units by 1976.

“It’s insane,” she commented upon reaching this milestone.

Von Furstenberg’s impact was so significant that at age 29, she graced the cover of Newsweek, being hailed as the most marketable female in fashion since Coco Chanel.

Early Life and Relationships

Born as Diane Simone Michele Halfin in Brussels on New Year’s Eve, 1946, her mother was a Holocaust survivor who weighed just 49 pounds upon her release but recovered to give birth to Diane 13 months later. Her personal life included marrying Êgon von Furstenberg, a German-Italian prince, with whom she had two children. Her relationships made headlines, as her marriage involved an open relationship.

DVF had notable romances, including a fling with Richard Gere, and brief encounters with Warren Beatty and Ryan O’Neal. Additionally, her experiences at a boarding school made her open to love without boundaries, a sentiment still present as she maintains a friendship with a girl she loved in her youth.

In 2001, she married media mogul Barry Diller. Last year, Diller disclosed his attraction to men in a memoir, which Diane supported and did not see as conflicting with their relationship.

Challenges and Legacy

DVF’s business faced ups and downs but endured through financial challenges. She remains connected to her brand while allowing a new generation to drive its creative direction. She now focuses on her legacy projects like the DVF Awards, recognizing women who change the world, including prominent figures such as Jane Fonda and Lynsey Addario.

As she approaches her 80th birthday, von Furstenberg reflects on her life, acknowledging her sensitivity to mortality. She views her current phase as her ‘last act’ and hopes to be remembered as someone who loved and honored life.