Fashion & Lifestyle

Diane Von Furstenberg

Woman. Mother. Wife. Designer. Fashionista. Innovator. Mogul. Icon…

Diane von Furstenberg was born Diane Simone Michelle Halfin on December 31, 1946, in Brussels, Belgium. She is a Jewish American woman and world renowned fashion designer best known for her signature wrap dress. She studied at the University of Geneva in Switzerland, graduating with a degree in economics. While attending college, Diane met Prince Eduard Egon von Furstenberg, heir to the Fiat automobile fortune. The two were married in Paris on July 16, 1969. At her wedding von Furstenberg, now Princess von Furstenberg wore a white piqué dress of her own design made by the fashion house of Dior. That same year she apprenticed with Italian textile manufacturer Angelo Ferretti and was soon designing simple dresses using his silk jersey prints. The Von Furstenberg’s moved to New York City in late 1969, where her husband went to work on Wall Street. In New York Diane attempted to interest garment manufacturers in her sample designs, and during her early months of designing and promoting, she worked out of the dining room of her Park Avenue apartment. In 1975 she separated from the prince, and they divorced in 1983. She retained custody of their two children, Alexandre and Tatiana. Unbelievably, they maintained a very close relationship throughout the years, as he gave her a special gift annually on the day that would have been their anniversary, he passed away in 2004.

Diane has been happily married to USA Networks media Chairman and mogul Barry Diller since Feb, 2001. They have homes in New York City, where her Flagship Studio is based, Connecticut, Paris and the Bahamas. She often gathers inspiration with her constant jet-setting around the country and abroad where she says she’s always on the go and living her life to the fullest!

With a good grasp of both design and economics, Von Furstenberg augmented her fashion line several years after opening her New York City showroom. She added jewelry, furs, shoes, scarves, and sunglasses to the articles bearing her initials, DVF, in which she had her name and signature licensed. Later she conceived a cosmetic line, including a fragrance named for her daughter, Tatiana. She branched into house wares which included sheets, bath towels, and home accessories for every room in the house. Soon thereafter her trademark began appearing on fashions for children.

Her dynamic career and elegant looks kept her in the public eye. Diane von Furstenberg, the princess-turned-designer, was featured often in magazine articles and interviews. In addition to her role as ground-breaking iconic fashion designer, she has written and published several books, is the spokeswoman for American Express, has a special limited edition of Samsung cellular phones, is the President of the Council of fashion

Designers of America (CFDA), sits on the Board of Directors for IAC and the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA), has partnered with the women’s Global Leadership Network Vital Voices, and played a major role-in association with The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation-in saving the historical Highline in New York City.

She now operates the highly successful DVF Studio at 874 Washington Street in New York City where she currently creates a line of high-end women’s apparel which is only offered in stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus.

Diane Von Furstenberg has become a permanent staple in yesterday and today’s ever evolving world of fashion. With her eclectic, vibrantly colored and signature shapes, fabrics and designs she has made her mark all her own that cannot be replicated. No matter the season, climate or occasion, you can always slide into one of her classic pieces to feel like the unique and sophisticated woman that you are.

As she famously says: “I design for the woman who loves being a woman”.

Written By:
Holly Camp