We’re two days into Women’s History Month and six days shy of the centenary of International Women’s Day. The newly-formed FFB (Feminist Fashion Bloggers), of which I am a member, has decided to honour the occasion with a series of posts and roundtable discussions every Wednesday this month.
Today we’ve decided to begin by honouring a fashionable woman of influence of our individual choosing. Up until yesterday I hadn’t decided upon whom I would focus today’s post. I did spend the entire day in somewhat dour reflection over John Galliano’s hateful and inexcusable tirade and then the fashion community’s lukewarm response.
Leah Chernikoff at Fashionista.com took a stand on the issue and so do I. Designers who make excuses for Galliano’s behaviour are examples of the mindset that made it possible for Hitler to perpetrate his crimes. When powerful people are more interested in self-protection and avoidance than they are in standing up for what is right, evil is allowed to flourish.
Rather than counter-spewing vitriol at Galliano, I’ve decided to focus on a Jewish fashionista. So many to choose from…I settled on a woman who is an innovator, a princess, and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor.
Diane Von Furstenberg
DVF was born Diane Simone Michelle Halfin in Brussels, Belgium, in 1946 after her mother survived the Holocaust. When Diane wed Prince Egon of Furstenberg in 1969 the groom’s family disapproved of the marriage because of the bride’s Jewish heritage. Nevertheless she became Princess Diane of Furstenberg but a royal title wasn’t enough for this dynamic woman:
“The minute I knew I was about to be Egon’s wife, I decided to have a career. I wanted to be someone of my own, and not just a plain little girl who got married beyond her desserts.”
Almost immeditately following her marriage DVF began designing womenswear and in 1972 innovated the modern and practical jersey wrap dress for which she has become famous. So influential was the design that it earned pride of place in the collection of the esteemed Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, and landed her on the cover of Newsweek magazine in November of 1976. By that time, she had sold five million of her revolutionary garments.
Possibly the only womenswear designer to rival Coco Chanel in terms of a liberating design which spoke to the evolving status of women in society, the humble fashion maven’s motto was simply:
“Feel like a woman. Wear a dress.”
Fashion writer Gill Hart described the appeal of the wrap dress thusly:
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Excellent post, well written and inspiring (as usual) I adore DVF, I also find her truly inspiring.
(I was terribly disappointed by Galliano’s remarks. Shame on him.)
Thank you so much. I enjoyed learning even more about her whilst researching the post. As a Youtube viewer pointed out re: Galliano. “Doesn’t he know what Hitler did to gays?”
Wonderful post! I have always admired DvF and I wish I had more of her dresses!
Oh me too. I can only afford to buy DVF vintage.
I adore DVF! There were a lot of great facts here that I hadn’t realized, thanks for sharing
Her pieces are definitely flattering on all body types, I really appreciate that about her. And I love that she says she loves to work with women…something to be inspired by for sure.
xoxo Maria
Yay, I’m glad you found something new here. Still haven’t done the de-clogging…will keep you apprised
great way to respond creatively to recent events. She seems like a really empowered and empowering woman, I like her quote about enjoying the company of women. sadly that attitude can be pretty rare : (
I know, I’m shocked when women say they hate female bosses. It’s MEN I’ve found difficult; they often want to treat you like a secretary even when that’s not your job.
What a great pick! DVF is a strong (and sexy) example of feminism in the flesh. She and her outlook is so amazing. She still inspires.
Enter to Win My Shabby Apple Dress Give-Away- the Citizen Rosebud
It’s true, she’s such a woman and she seems really happy and humble, too.
She is fantastic, great choice! I’d love to own one of her dresses!
Hi Franca, ask at quality vintage shops. You can often get DVF at a reasonable price.
Hi there, great post. I admire Diane von Furstenberg but I didn’t know a lot about her, now that is remedied! … mhm, I don’t think I’ve ever seen any clothes of her design in real life, though, not even at the thrift store. Too bad.
Cheers,
poet
Thanks for your comment! I have to admit I learned a lot about DVF doing research for this post!
I love DVF! She’s a great example for this topic. I’m lucky to have inherited a DVF wrap top and skirt from my stylish Oma. It’s cira 1972 and has stood the test of time (both in style and quality) – kind of like DVF!
Wow you’re very lucky to have received those amazing DVF garments from your Oma. She seems to have universal appeal.
wow I had heard of her before but (embarassingly) didn’t know her story and it is so amazing!! thanks for sharing!
I didn’t know so much about her until I wrote this article so no need to be embarrassed
Diane is a champion for women and a trailblazer. Great selection!
She sure is; even more than I knew.
She’s such a dynamic woman. Three cheers for the wrap dress! Good for you on choosing her – Galliano is appalling and I’m glad Natalie Portman took a stand.
Thanks, Mrs. Bossa! I’m glad Portman spoke out, too.
Wonderful write-up on DVF! I can’t believe the classic wrap dress was from 1972. Wow, talk about timeless designs. I don’t know a single woman who doesn’t want to own a DVF dress.
I know hey. She is humble enough to say she didn’t invent the wrap dress itself that historically it has existed in the toga, etc., but she was the first to do it in jersey and that’s what made it modern and timeless at the same time.
I love this post! DVF was quite the fashion pioneer, and definitely showed the industry that to hang with the big boys, you don’t have to be one! Strong woman! Her bio is inspiring as well. Lovely post!
-xxoo
http://www.ladyofashion.com