Diane von Furstenberg Reflects on Her Legacy, the Iconic Wrap Dress, and Life at 79
Fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg discusses her legendary career, the wrap dress, and her final act in this exclusive profile on her life and legacy.
POLICY WIRE — Venice, Italy — Amid the historic canals and grand architecture of Venice, fashion legend Diane von Furstenberg has found a sanctuary for reflection. Now 79, the designer spends roughly five months of the year in the city, describing it as her personal stage for contemplation.
Rising to prominence in the 1970s, von Furstenberg became a household name for creating a practical, comfortable, and affordable garment inspired by ballerina attire. While she once grew weary of being defined solely by the wrap dress, she acknowledges its pivotal role in her career.
The concept for the dress emerged in 1974 after she spotted Julie Eisenhower, daughter of President Richard Nixon, wearing one of her snake-print wrap tops on television during Watergate coverage. By 1976, the designer had sold one million units, leading Newsweek to label her the most marketable female in fashion since Coco Chanel.
Born Diane Simone Michele Halfin in Brussels on New Year’s Eve, 1946, she carries the legacy of her mother, a Holocaust survivor who regained her health after the war. Von Furstenberg often reflects on her mother’s belief that her survival was a divine gift intended to bring new life into the world.
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Before establishing her fashion empire, she became a princess through her marriage to German-Italian prince Ëgon von Furstenberg. Her personal life has remained a subject of public fascination, including her past romances with figures like Richard Gere, Warren Beatty, and Ryan O’Neal, as well as her early experiences with sexual fluidity.
In 2001, she married media mogul Barry Diller. Following Diller’s recent memoir, in which he discussed his attraction to men, von Furstenberg emphasized that their bond remains unshakable. She describes Diller as her soulmate and companion, noting that his personal revelations were never a source of conflict in their relationship.
While her business has navigated various financial cycles, the brand remains a fixture in the industry. Today, von Furstenberg focuses on her legacy, including the annual DVF Awards, which recently celebrated its 17th year in Venice by honoring influential women such as Jane Fonda and Lynsey Addario.
As she approaches her 80th birthday, the designer is increasingly mindful of her mortality. She views this period as the final act of her life and hopes to be remembered as someone who cherished existence and sought to honor it in every possible way.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
