We interviewed Diane Von Fustenberg during the opening in her hometown of “Woman before Fashion”, the first exhibition in Europe about her life and career.
On the 50th anniversary of the creation of the iconic wrap dress by Diane Von Furstenberg, the Brussels Fashion and Lace Museum pays tribute to this exceptional designer with an exhibition on her career entitled “Woman before Fashion”.
The colours are the letters, the prints are the words, and the fabric and silhouettes form the sentence. Diane Von Furstenberg
Diana von Fustenberg wrap dress. Summer 2017 Campaign © Ryan Dorsett
We talked about the exhibition and her life with this inspiring woman, muse of muses, who captivates with her naturalness and her great magnetism.
HORSE- How do you feel about opening this exhibition in your hometown?
DvF- I am very grateful to be able to open this exhibition in Brussels, very close to the school where I studied. The illustration made for the exhibition reflects my feeling of gratitude to receive this tribute in the city where I was born and where I have returned as the woman I always wanted to be.
Illustration created by Diane von Fustenberg showing the evolution of that little girl going to school becoming who she is now with her iconic wrap dress, both holding hands.
HORSE: You always wanted to be a “Woman in charge”, to be in control of your life and to be financially independent, and you achieved it. What would you say to those women who dream of being in charge of their own lives? Do you think that today it is within the reach of most women or is it still something for a minority?
All women can achieve whatever they set their minds to, regardless of their character or personality. Women have a proven ability to react in times of danger or difficult circumstances to get ahead, to take care of their children and to look for solutions to problems as they arise.
Every woman has a button that, if activated, allows her to achieve whatever she desires. The important thing is to know how to locate that button and learn how to activate it in order to set off and achieve the desired goal.
HORSE- What are the keys to success for Diane von Furstenberg?
DvF- Success is like happiness, it is not a straight line, it is full of ups and downs. A person can be successful but unhappy.
In my case, the lucky thing I have had in life is that from a very young age I was able to establish a great complicity with myself. I spent hours analysing myself in front of the mirror and this helped me to understand the power I had over myself.
My luck was that since I was a child I had a great complicity with myself. Diane Von Furstenberg
When I had to study and learn how to make presentations, I always practised in front of the mirror, and this helped me to gain confidence. I still keep this habit today when I have to prepare a public presentation.
HORSE- Looking at your successful career, we could say that you have achieved everything or almost everything in life. What goal do you still have to achieve?
DvF- My birth was a real miracle. My mother was one of the survivors of the Auschwitz concentration camp. When she came out she weighed 29 kg and was told she could not have children. However, 6 months later she became pregnant with me, so the fact that I was born was my real success.
My biggest goal in life, what I wanted most, was freedom, but being free meant not being afraid and never feeling like a victim.
To be free I wanted to be a “woman in charge” and this I achieved thanks to the wrap dress.
Diane von Furstenberg, 1972 © Roger Prigent
I had children very young and I consider myself very lucky because I have a wonderful family.
Now that I am in the winter of my life, the most important thing for me is to use my voice, my experience, my knowledge and my status to help other women become what they want to be.
HORSE- You are a fashion icon and a reference of style, glamour and sophistication for many women. Who was your reference at the beginning of your career?
DvF- For me the most elegant woman of all was Marlene Dietrich.
HORSE- Did you imagine 50 years ago that your crossover dress would go down in history as one of the most emblematic creations of 20th century fashion?
DvF- No, of course not. The wrap dress is part of my life.
Diane von Furstenberg with a mannequin in her likeness
in Atlanta, circa 1977 © Archives Diane von Furstenberg
I find it incredible to think that this dress is still being sold 50 years after its creation, but what gives me great satisfaction is knowing that my creations appeal to the young people of today.
HORSE- Do you think the future of fashion is based on the use of recycled materials and the circular economy?
DvF- Yes, of course. My crossover dresses are in great demand in vintage shops. They have been worn by generations of women and are still in fashion. This underlines their sustainability.
HORSE- You recently did a collaboration with Castañer. What made you decide to collaborate with this Spanish brand?
DvF- I met Mrs Castañer many years ago. I love the Castañer family, the philosophy of the brand, the materials they use, their creations and their timeless character. I have been wearing Castañer espadrilles for many years.
INTIMATE WITH DIANE VON FUSTENBERG…
- What is your favourite place in Brussels? The Sablon, because it’s near my school, and the Bois de la Cambre.
- How would you define your personal style(Effortless, Seductive, On the Go)? Comfortable, Seductive, Very wearable.
- What are your 2 favourite items in your wardrobe? I love uniforms and printed dresses.
- A must-have accessory: my mobile phone
- Favourite city to live in: I prefer nature.
- Desired getaway destination: sailing with my husband on our sailboat.
- Must-see film or series: The film “All About Eve”.
- Sea or mountains? I really enjoy swimming in the sea.
- What’s on your playlist? I love silence.
- Instagram, tik tok or Facebook: Instagram.
- Dogs, cats or horses: dogs
The exhibition Woman Before Fashion is divided into 4 sections:
- Section 1: starts with the conception of the mythical wrap dress in 1970 from the union of a skirt with a crossover top.
Section 1: presents an analysis of the wrap dress
- Section 2: continues with the designer’s sources of inspiration, mainly women and nature.
Section 2: prints and shapes as the focal point of his creative process through art in works by friends such as AndyWarhol, Konstantin Kakanias and François-Marie Banier to abstract painting, art and architecture.
- Section 3: continues with the realisation of the American dream.
Section 3: when in September 1969 Diane von Fustenberg arrives in New York to present ‘her little dress’ which quickly becomes a style must
worldwide.
- Section 4: Ends with “WeAr(e)Ablestories” which highlights Diane Von Furstenberg’s philanthropic work to promote women’s empowerment by drawing on her own experience with cross-dressing over the years.
Section 4: examines the process of creating her dresses based on the needs of women and their diversity, showing a philanthropic look at her work from the beginning of her career, which allows a better understanding of her work and her commitment to women.
The success of the crossover dress, which became a symbol of power and independence for women and a worldwide lifestyle reference, would allow her to achieve her dream of becoming the woman she always wanted to be and which would give title to her book “The Woman I wanted to Be”.
From her Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, she devotes much of her time to promoting women’s empowerment and helping other women achieve their goals.
My role in the fashion world has always revolved around women, always putting women first. Diane Von Furstenberg
In 2010, she created the DVF Awards to support, through philanthropy, emerging women leaders who demonstrate commitment and leadership to the causes they champion. For this philanthropic work, she has received numerous awards, such as the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in France in 2020, Commandeur de l’Ordre de la Couronne in Belgium in 2021 and the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Woman of leadership Award in 2022, among others.
Diane von Fustenberg. Woman Before Fashion
Fashion and Lace Museum (Musée Mode & Dentelle)
Rue de la Violette, 12
1000 Brussels
Dates: 21-4-2023 to 7-1-2024
Photo credits: Marta Diez and Brussels Fashion and Lace Museum.
