Diane von Furstenberg Biography:
Born as Diane Simone Michelle Halfin in Belgium in 1946 to an upper-middle class Jewish family, Diane von Furstenberg has enjoyed what some young women would deem a romantic dream. Having moved to Austria to study Economics in her early twenties, her life took a dramatic turn when she was wooed by Austro-Italian Prince Egon von Furstenberg.
Even if her marriage only lasted a few years, Diane von Furstenberg decided for better or worse that she was not going to rely solely on her newfound privileges, but to make a career for herself. Thus began her work in fashion.
Diane von Furstenberg in Fashion:
Her 1970s venture into the world of fashion began with little more than $30,000 to support her endeavors – but it was not long before her efforts were to be rewarded. In an era of women's trousers and the push for a radical feminism, von Furstenberg's credo was simple: “Feel like a woman. Wear a dress.”
Her work in 1972 seemed to fill a gap in the market, and her wrap dress from 1973 was deemed so influential that it now resides in the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
More From Diane von Furstenberg:
Von Furstenberg has since branched into innumerable different markets. Soon after her venture into women's wear, she launched her own perfume line, naming her first fragrance 'Tatiana' after her young daughter. She later entered into the publishing industry, launching a French publishing house called 'Salvy.'
Von Furstenberg also explored the home shopping business, focusing on marketing her own line of cosmetics. Through the 1980s alone Von Furstenberg products had generated over $1 billion in sales.
Diane von Furstenberg Commercial Success:
Von Furstenberg's famous wrap dress sold 5 million in one year alone, earning cover-stories on the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek Magazine. In 2005, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awarded her a lifetime achievement award.
Diane von Furstenberg Accessories:
In addition to her women's wear, fragrances, and cosmetics, the Diane von Furstenberg label has created sportswear, handbags, shoes, scarves and other accessories.
To check out the latest from DVF, visit their official website. You can shop for Diane von Furstenberg accessories and clothing at Barney's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth and other fine stores.
