Diane von Furstenberg's journey in the fashion world began in 1970 with a suitcase full of jersey dresses, which four years later led to the creation of the iconic wrap dress. This dress became a symbol of power and independence for an entire generation of women, and by 1976, she had sold over a million of them, earning a feature on the cover of Newsweek.
After a hiatus from fashion, Diane re-launched her iconic dress in 1997, reestablishing her company as a global luxury lifestyle brand. The brand has since expanded to include a full collection of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, as well as luggage, eye wear, and home furnishings. Today, DVF is sold in over 55 countries, with 132 owned and partner stores worldwide.
In recognition of her impact on fashion, Diane received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2005 and was elected President of the CFDA the following year. She has dedicated herself to fostering emerging talent and protecting designers from counterfeit reproductions of their work.
Diane's commitment to empowering women extends beyond fashion, as she is also a dedicated philanthropist and mentor. She sits on the board of Vital Voices, a non-governmental organization that supports female leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide. In 2010, she established the DVF Awards, which provide grants to women who have displayed leadership, strength, and courage in their commitment to their causes.
Diane has received numerous accolades for her contributions to fashion and philanthropy, including being named the "Most Powerful Woman in Fashion" by Forbes magazine in 2012 and one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2015. She has also published a memoir, The Woman I Wanted to Be, and serves on the board of Culture Shed, a new center for artistic and cultural innovation in New York City.
In her personal life, Diane is married to Barry Diller and has two children, Alexander and Tatiana, as well as four grandchildren. She has stated that her children are her greatest creation, and despite all her successes, she remains humble and grounded.
