Diane von Fürstenberg

Diane von Fürstenberg is a celebrated fashion designer, business mogul, and humanitarian who has helped to define and redefine fashion for over four decades. From the early 1970s until today, she has been the face of her eponymous brand, producing groundbreaking fashion and inspiring generations of women. She is also an acclaimed author, whose books include Diane: A Signature Life, The Woman I Wanted to Be, and The Power of Life.

Diane von Fürstenberg was born into a wealthy family in Brussels, Belgium in 1946. She attended the Sciences-Po, a prestigious institute of higher education in Paris, France. At the age of 21, she married Count Egon von Fürstenberg and came to the United States with him. During her time in the U.S., Diane befriended many influential figures, including Vogue Domination Diana Vreeland.

In 1971, Diane launched her first design line, a collection of jersey knit wrap dresses, which would become her signature style and the cornerstone of her fashion empire. Her designs quickly caught the attention of Hollywood stars and European fashion lovers alike, quickly becoming a worldwide sensation. Thanks to this success, she was named the first female Coty Award winner in 1972.

Diane has always been ahead of her time in more than fashion. She has challenged societal expectations and exposed the inner workings of the fashion industry's power structures. During her acceptance speech at the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1992, she declared, “I am here tonight because of what I am, not in spite of it. I am a woman and I am powerful.”

Throughout her career, Diane has been an advocate for women, using her platform to speak out against gender discrimination and highlight the importance of female empowerment. In 2016, she was presented with an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts London, in recognition of her ongoing crusade for gender equality, commitment to social causes, and making the fashion industry more transparent.

In 2014, Diane published her memoir, The Woman I Wanted to Be. The book is a fascinating exploration of her life story, from her childhood in Belgium, to her experiences as a designer and business leader, to her modern advocacy. Serving as part memoir, part advice guide, the book provides an intimate look into Diane's life.

Diane von Fürstenberg is an iconic fashion designer and powerful humanitarian who has forged a lasting legacy in the fashion world. She has produced boundary-pushing collections, empowered generations of women, and continually pushed for progress and social change in the fashion industry. Her books capture her unique life story and provide insight into her remarkable journey. To this day, Diane remains a formidable presence in fashion, and an inspiring figure for female empowerment.