I recently had the pleasure of attending

a talk with designer Diane von Furstenberg in which she discussed

her remarkable career in conversation with Claudia Croft,

style editor of the Sunday Times (London).

The event was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

 

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(photos by meappropriatestyle.com):

Designer Diane von Furstenberg (r)

in conversation with journalist Claudia Croft (l)

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An impressive turn out

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Ms. von Furstenberg (seated)

 

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This year marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic wrap dress-

the garment created by Ms. von Furstenberg

which is a universal:  for every shape, for every size, for every woman.

 

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(images from dvf.com):

 

jersey wrap dress

green / white graphic print

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wrap dress / trouser combo

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Speaking at length, candidly and in detail, Ms. von Furstenberg

discussed a key individual who and a key determinant which

were of profound life influence:

1.  her mother,  a Holocaust-Auschwitz concentration camp survivor

who instilled in her daughter the steely power of fortitude and

2.  her set decision to be a self-sufficient woman

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After her first marriage at 18 to German Prince Egon of Furstenberg,

she was styled Her Serene Highness Princess Diane of Furstenberg

Yet, she was never content to simply marry her prince and

live in golden bliss, happily ever after.

She studied, worked,  trained and eventually created a wardrobe masterpiece.

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jersey wrap dress

solid colour, solid statement

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The immediate success in 1974, of her jersey wrap dress

and its lasting impact has established Ms. von Furstenberg

as one of fashion’s design greats.

Today, she oversees a thriving business concern.

Presently, Forbes magazine ranks Ms. von Furstenberg

as the 68th most powerful woman in the world.

She is also involved with several philanthropic projects.

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At the conclusion of her conversation with journalist Claudia Croft,

Ms. von Furstenberg graciously answered queries.

I was struck by the focus of the questions posed and comments made.

All wanted to know more about how to become

a ‘Diane-type empowered woman’.

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Ms. von Furstenberg’s design legacy is the wrap dress- for all women.

Her legacy of indelible spirit is also for all women.

It can be summed up in a statement

which she reiterated throughout the talk:

“I did not know what I wanted to do,

but I KNEW the woman I wanted to be.”

 

(image from dailymail.com):

DVF:  two thumbs up!

End of runway show, s/s  2014

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It appears that Ms. von Furstenberg achieved all she intended.

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