Diane von Furstenberg: A Life in Fashion and Reflection

Cruise the canals of Venice, among its grand palazzos and the iconic Rialto Bridge. It’s easy to see why this city captivated one of fashion’s legendary figures: Diane von Furstenberg. She spends roughly five months each year in Venice, regarding it as her stage and a place for contemplation.

Now 79 years old, Diane von Furstenberg, known as DVF, first gained fame in the fashion world during the 1970s. Her breakthrough came with a single piece of clothing inspired by ballerina tops: a wrap dress that was comfortable, practical, and economical. This dress, first introduced in 1974, became a sensation. By 1976, she had sold a million of these dresses.

Though she once tired of discussions centered on the wrap dress, its inception links back to a surprising moment during news coverage of the Watergate scandal. As she watched Julie Eisenhower, Nixon’s daughter, wearing a wrap top with a snake print skirt, von Furstenberg envisioned it as a full dress.

Born in Brussels, Belgium on December 31, 1946, Diane Simone Michele Halfin’s early life was shaped by her parents. Her father was a businessman, and her mother was a Holocaust survivor who weighed a mere 49 pounds upon her liberation. Diane’s mother often expressed gratitude, saying, “God saved me so I could give you life.”

Before ascending to fashion royalty, Diane became a princess by marrying Ëgon von Furstenberg, a German-Italian prince. They had two children, but their marriage, marked by an openly-publicized relationship, eventually ended. Her personal life read like an open book, with brief affairs including notable figures like Richard Gere, Warren Beatty, and Ryan O’Neal. Diane candidly shared stories of youthful love, which included attractions across genders, reflecting a personal history of sexual fluidity.

In 2001, Diane remarried media mogul Barry Diller. Last year, Diller’s memoir revealed his attraction to men, a revelation Diane supported. She saw their relationship as multifaceted; Barry was her soulmate and life companion.

DVF’s brand has weathered its own financial ups and downs but remains sturdy despite challenges. With others guiding the company creatively, Diane focuses on her legacy, notably through her yearly DVF Awards. These honors celebrate women effecting global change and have recognized figures such as Jane Fonda and Lynsey Addario.

As Diane approaches her 80th birthday on New Year’s Eve, she reflects on mortality and her life’s purpose. She honors her advancing age as she contemplates the winter of her life. Von Furstenberg hopes to be remembered for her love of life and her dedication to honoring it.