Designer Spotlight: Diane Von Furstenberg

If you have shopped at Michael’s Luxury Consignment within the past couple of months, it is likely you stumbled upon at least one DVF label dress. The smooth fabric was likely adorned with a bold pattern that caught your attention, as well. The Michael’s team knows that DVF is a fan favorite amongst our customer base so we decided to look a little deeper into the designer behind the label.

Diane von Furstenberg is an iconic Belgian fashion designer who has made a significant impact on the fashion industry. After creating primary samples of her iconic design in Italy, she moved to New York City where she was encouraged by Diana Vreeland of Vogue to launch her career. Von Furstenberg was elated, as she hoped to make a name for herself after marrying German prince Egon von Furstenburg. She quickly rose to fame in the 1970s with the introduction of her revolutionary wrap dress. The wrap dress—a flattering, versatile garment that can be worn for any occasion—became an instant success and embodied the liberation and freedom of the feminist movement. 

 
Von Furstenberg’s designs have always been focused on empowering women, and she believes that clothes are not just for aesthetic appeal but should also make women feel confident and comfortable. Her wrap dress became a symbol of women’s empowerment and allowed women to dress for success while also challenging traditional notions of femininity. Marie Claire deems the garment, “the most empowering dress ever,” due to it’s classic yet sexy and feminine flare. Women could wear this dress around the house, in the office, to a date night dinner and anywhere in between. Customers were lured in by the sex appeal of a dress that had not zippers or buttons-only a wrap closure. 

Today, Diane von Furstenberg’s brand continues to thrive and influence the fashion industry. Women including Michelle Obama, Madonna, Kate Middleton, and Sarah Jessica Parker are just some of the notable customers that make up DVF’s core demographic. She has expanded her product lines to include accessories, shoes, and home goods, but her signature wrap dress remains a staple piece in her collection. Additionally, von Furstenberg has established herself as an advocate for various social causes, including women’s rights, environmentalism, and philanthropy.

Von Furstenberg’s contribution to the fashion industry has been recognized with numerous awards as well. She was inducted into the Fashion Walk of Fame in 2003 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2005. She also served as the President of the CFDA from 2006 to 2019, where she worked on promoting emerging designers and advocating for the industry.

In all, it is undeniable that Diane von Furstenberg is a trailblazer in the fashion industry who has left an indelible mark on the world. Her designs have empowered and liberated women, challenging the norms associated with femininity and her brand continues to grow while remaining true to its values of empowering women to look and feel their best. Von Furstenberg’s contributions have elevated the fashion industry and inspired many generations of female designers to come.