Diane von Furstenberg, a well-known designer at 77 years old, describes herself as being in the “winter of her life.” She emphasizes that she still has a lot of energy and is not nostalgic about the past. Instead, she is focused on inspiring women to be who they want to be.
The “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion” exhibition at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles showcases over 60 pieces from the DVF archives, highlighting her journey as a designer and as a person. Von Furstenberg started her design career in her twenties, creating the iconic wrap dress that symbolized liberation and independence for women.
As the exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of the wrap dress, von Furstenberg reflects on her impact through various projects like the Hulu documentary “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge” and the DVF Awards. She is thrilled to see her career curated by others and is focused on leaving a legacy through “Operation Legacy.”
The curator of the exhibition, Nicolas Lor, approached von Furstenberg to commemorate her career, emphasizing the relevance of what she stands for today. Von Furstenberg attributes her success to her family, particularly her mother, who survived the Holocaust and taught her to never be a victim and to embrace fearlessness.
Von Furstenberg believes in the power of kindness and generosity, viewing them as valuable currencies in life. Despite entering the winter of her life, she shows no signs of slowing down and continues to empower women through her work. With the recent appointment of Graziano De Boni as the new CEO of her brand, von Furstenberg is set to continue her legacy.
As she looks back on her life, von Furstenberg emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself. She encourages others to embrace their authenticity and freedom. The “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion” exhibition is currently open at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, offering a glimpse into the life and work of this iconic designer.
