By: Daniella Platt, Consumer Behavior Expert
It was the ’70s. An interesting time just after birth control, before AIDS. And Diane von Furstenberg was on a mission to empower women through fashion. She created dresses that gave women not just style but freedom to go on, and take off, with comfort and confidence—clothing that was ready for the world, or ready to take off.
DVF was in fact, the first influencer, visiting 3,000 malls to promote her dresses, share makeup tips and talk directly with customers. “Don’t spend more than seven minutes on makeup,” she said. “You have more to do!”
Diane doesn’t claim to be the inventor of the wrap dress. Did you know the wrap dress isn’t even patented by DVF? She simply modernized it—much like a modern kimono. The result? A timeless piece that still represents freedom, movement and versatility today. Having been born 18 months after her mother was liberated from a Nazi concentration camp, Diane’s mother referred to her as her “torch of freedom.” This theme of liberation is epitomized in the wrap dress, which became a symbol of independence, empowerment, with care for design and how to make women feel special.
Her prints were influenced by the modern graphics of artists like Andy Warhol and the drip art of Jackson Pollock—bold, expressive and effortlessly chic. She knew how to turn heads and change the narrative on what it meant to dress well.
She also strongly believed in the power of manifestation and mantras. DVF’s powerful sayings, like “Love is life” and “Fight for love (or life),” continue to inspire women worldwide. Much of DVF’s strength came from her Sephardic Jewish mother, who had roots in Spain, Portugal and Belgium. Her mother’s resilience during WWII shaped DVF into the outspoken woman she is today, proud of her Jewish heritage and her place in NYC’s fashion history.
All of this is on display at the DVF exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Diane herself came to style the mannequins and roll up their sleeves, because that’s the spirit of her dresses—chic yet relaxed. The Mannequins Auxiliary, the fashion arm supporting homeless youth through the Assistance League of Los Angeles, hosted the tour and event. (www.assistanceleague.org)
The debut of Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion exhibit chronicles the fashion icon’s career from the 1970s to today, interweaving her personal history as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor while showcasing special artifacts and stories that give perspective to her lasting legacy.
“We are thrilled to bring this powerful exhibition to Los Angeles, showcasing not only von Furstenberg’s iconic designs but also her enduring message of female empowerment,” says Skirball Cultural Center President and CEO Jessie Kornberg. “Jewish connection to garment industries and needlepoint trades spans continents and generations.”
Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion includes a selection of items drawn from the DVF archives along with ephemera, fabric swatches, media pieces, information on her philanthropic work and 75 items, 29 of which are exclusive to this exhibition. A spotlight on Diane’s mother, Lily Nahmias, featuring audio, images and text, explores her experience as a member of the resistance and a Holocaust survivor, including a reproduction of the letter she sent her parents after the Nazis imprisoned her. The exhibit examines von Furstenberg’s bold designs and sources of inspiration through nature, art and freedom.
Diane launched her brand in 1972; she was 26 years old. This was her vision for women—resilient, confident and fiercely feminine—and this idea connected with the public and built a legacy. Through her efforts, including traveling across the United States to meet women and help them try on her designs, Diane fostered a deep connection with her customers, listening to their aspirations and concerns. The result is clothing that continues to resonate with women more than half a century later.
The exhibition is on view through Aug. 31, 2025 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles—an opportunity to step into the world of a designer who not only transformed fashion but also empowered generations of women to feel free, bold and confident
Daniella Platt is a consumer behavior expert obsessed with decoding what makes people tick and buy. She has helped 100s of brands with business development, narrative and storytelling to achieve. Visit www.udemy.com/appareldaniella to learn how to create a sustainable brand and sell like crazy or connect at hello@lookinggoodyaya.com
