If you ever find yourself at Diane von Furstenberg’s office in the vibrant Meatpacking District of New York City, don’t be surprised if you leave not with a stylish outfit, but rather with a unique gift bag filled with books. During our conversation, von Furstenberg calls out to her assistant to bring forth the narrative of her remarkable life, encapsulated in several written collections. Among these are a self-help book titled “Own It: The Secret to Life”, a stunning coffee-table book showcasing her iconic styles, “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion”, and an intriguing Italian novelty book, “Serenissima: Solution & Seduction”. Notably, there’s also a book about the Statue of Liberty, highlighting her role as the monument’s “godmother” during a fundraising event. “I thought it was a better title than being on the board,” she explains, showcasing her playful spirit.
In her acclaimed memoir, “The Woman I Wanted to Be”, published in 2014, Diane von Furstenberg recounts her extraordinary journey. Born to a Holocaust survivor, she arrived in New York in 1969 after a whirlwind adolescence spent traveling across Europe. It was here that she revolutionized the fashion industry with her groundbreaking wrap dress, which debuted in 1973. By the time she settled in the city, von Furstenberg was already a notable figure as the wife of Germany’s Prince Egon von Fürstenberg and quickly became a staple of the party scene.
After achieving self-made millionaire status, she acquired a luxurious apartment on Park Avenue and a picturesque farm in Connecticut. In 2001, she married Hollywood mogul Barry Diller, further cementing her status as a prominent figure within New York’s elite. Today, von Furstenberg divides her time among her farm, Cloudwalk; her bustling New York office; and her beloved Venice, Italy, where she finds leisure. “I read a biography of Venice, and I realized Venice is a woman,” she reflects, emphasizing her affinity for the city.
At 78 years old, von Furstenberg is set to receive the Perelman Performing Arts Center NYC Icon of Culture award. However, she admits to a reluctance regarding accolades. Her attendance at the gala on October 28 was contingent upon the event organizers promising to roast her. “In person, I’m so modest,” she says, preferring to discuss her passions rather than her accomplishments. With a twinkle in her eye, she engages with me, even offering a few playful phrases in Persian when she learns about my heritage.
Despite her groundbreaking contributions to fashion, von Furstenberg is modest about her impact. “Have I shaped our culture? I don’t know. I lived our culture,” she states, acknowledging her role in the evolution of fashion. She recalls the moment she became a star with the introduction of the wrap dress, which led to her being featured on the cover of Newsweek in 1976. “I was making 25,000 wrap dresses a week. Every woman in America had one,” she reminisces, emphasizing how her designs made fashion accessible to all.
Her connection to QVC also played a significant role in her brand’s success. “I brought Barry there,” she recalls, highlighting the impact of her husband’s role in the channel. “I brought everyone there — Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld,” she adds, sharing stories of her time in the fashion world. “I’ve known everyone my age who went around New York. I knew Andy Warhol,” she states, reflecting on her extensive network.
When von Furstenberg moved to New York in the 1970s, the city was in a state of disarray — dirty, cheap, and dangerous. “It was great because it didn’t cost anything,” she explains, recalling times when she could feed 25 people for just $50. As she revitalized the Meatpacking District with her presence, she transformed it into a fashion and luxury hub. “I bought a carriage house on West 12th Street, and everybody thought I was crazy,” she recalls, illustrating her forward-thinking vision.
In our conversation, von Furstenberg shares her profound belief in the importance of kindness. “I discovered the power of kindness. That is going to be my main focus for whatever time I have left,” she asserts. With a little manifesto on kindness in hand, she emphasizes the transformative nature of connections, stating, “Every day I make one miracle by introducing one person to another who can change their life.”
Looking ahead to 2025, von Furstenberg envisions her brand as one dedicated to empowering women. “We make clothes for the woman in charge,” she declares, emphasizing the importance of confidence and style in her designs. “The clothes come out of the closet, the men come out of the closet!” she quips, further showcasing her playful and spirited personality.
As our conversation draws to a close, von Furstenberg reflects on her burial plans, revealing her comfort in knowing her resting place. “Every Saturday with my son, we used to walk: ‘Oh, where should we be buried?’” she shares. With a legacy that has shaped the fashion world and a life filled with remarkable experiences, Diane von Furstenberg remains a true icon of culture, embodying resilience, creativity, and the spirit of empowerment.
