Speaker Details
Diane von Furstenberg
CEO & Founder, DVF Studio and President, CFDA
Born in Belgium, Diane von Furstenberg first arrived in New York in 1972 with a suitcase full of wrap dresses - the seed of what is today a full fashion house. By 1976, she had sold millions of her iconic wrap and her name had become synonymous with confidence and female freedom. Over the next decade, Diane pioneered fashion and business trends; she built and sold a cosmetics company; launched a home collection; and received the New York Mayor's Liberty Medal for citizens of the world who have achieved the American Dream.
After taking a hiatus from fashion, Diane reemerged on the New York scene in 1997 with the re-launch of the dress that had started it all. Immediately, a new generation of women embraced her designs. In 2001, Diane opened her first freestanding DVF shop in the far West Village.
Over the next few years, Diane continued to grow both her collection and her company. By 2004, there were DVF shops in London, Coral Gables, and Paris; she had launched the H Stern by Diane von Furstenberg fine jewelry collection; and had developed a full colour cosmetics line including a new fragrance, "D" In June 2005, Diane was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) for her impact on fashion, and one year later, was elected the CFDA's new president.
Today, the DVF collection includes ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, accessories, swim, eyewear, DVF by H Stern fine jewellery and watches, rugs and luggage. In 2007, Diane moved her studio, shop and office to a converted warehouse in the Meatpacking District. The headquarters supports what is now a global lifestyle luxury brand that has 32 freestanding Diane von Furstenberg boutiques in major cities around the world, and is sold in select speciality stores in over 71 countries.
She sits on the board of Vital Voices, a women's leadership organisation that empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the world. She is also a board member of the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA). As a longtime resident of New York's Meatpacking District, Diane is a vocal member of the local community. She was actively involved in the campaign to save the historical High Line railway and remains committed to supporting the development of the newly-opened public park.
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