Diane von Furstenberg, the fashion designer and businesswoman, has achieved a lifetime of success since her humble beginnings as an introspective young girl. In her memoir, The Woman I Wanted To Be, von Furstenberg takes readers on a journey through her life, exploring the choices she made to become the iconic and inspirational woman she is today.
von Furstenberg shares how life in Brussels and the struggle of living under Nazi occupation affected her sense of self. Reading the powerful words of her Jewish ancestors created an internal dialogue of strength, determination, and resilience that influenced her early years.
The book focuses on von Furstenberg’s fight to become the woman she wanted to be. She experienced personal trauma, including a divorce during a time in which this was still considered socially unacceptable. Despite this, she choose to use her experience to empower her and discovered her voice as a fashion designer and entrepreneur.
von Furstenberg was determined to make her mark on the world despite the obstacles she faced. In the chapters, Incubating Ideas and Branding Yourself, she speaks of her vision and the importance of turning it into reality. She explains the process of melding her personality and design into a global fashion powerhouse and her signature wrap dress.
von Furstenberg looked inward and allowed her strength of self-determination to propel her forward. She used her inner power in developing herself and expanded on the tools which allowed her to reach her goals. Her ability to challenge herself came through in the pages, detailing how she succeeded in business while succeeding in taking care of her two young children as a single mother.
In addition to personal anecdotes and triumphs, von Furstenberg includes advice to those looking to make their mark in the fashion industry. She offers invaluable insights into the business world, and her ability to motivate others through her words is evident.
The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane von Furstenberg is an inspiring memoir for all who seek to create their own paths and cultural icons. She gracefully shares her fight for personal and professional freedom, showing readers what it means to have a voice, have faith, and have the strength to pursue one’s dreams. This book will not just educate, but also empower readers with the gift of newfound confidence and newfound determination.
