Diane von Furstenberg
This woman’s extravagant influence on the world has always inspired us here at BWB, so we asked her to take some time and give us her golden advice on fashion and life.
Diane von Furstenberg is a woman who squeezes out of life all of the juices it will give her. Even from the outside, it’s easy to detect her power, her confidence, her distinct beauty, and her wisdom.
Since diving into the fashion world in 1974, much of Diane’s life has been about making women look and feel beautiful. With her natural gift, Diane went on to create a beauty empire of her own, and she came to be known as a “fashion phenomenon” by Vogue, her dresses dubbed “The Image of an Era” by The International Herald Tribune. All during that time, she held the title of princess, raised two children, re-married the love of her life, and became chair of CFDA, American fashion’s governing body. Not only did she seize the male-dominated fashion industry for her own, but she also uses her voice to empower and inspire women to be who they want to be in the world, despite the odds.
This woman’s extravagant influence on the world has always inspired us here at BWB, so we asked her to take some time and give us her golden advice on fashion and life.
I always have a camera and I take thousands of photographs which may become prints or inspire an entire collection.
BWB: In addition to living in Belgium and Paris, you have traveled to so many places throughout the world. How would you say your time abroad has inspired you? Your fashion?
I have always loved to travel and I have always been inspired by it: the nature, the people, the colors, etc. I always have a camera and I take thousands of photographs which may become prints or inspire an entire collection. I also love the freedom of travel, the possibilities, and the art of packing has very much influenced my approach to fashion. I have always said that if you pack lightly, you live lightly, and I design with that in mind.
BWB: Where was your last trip abroad and where will you next travel to?
I was just in the Caribbean on our boat and next month I am going to Japan.
BWB: What is the ideal suitcase like for you? The perfect outfits? Accessories and makeup or skincare?
I always pack sunglasses, a scarf, a bathing suit and a dress that doesn’t wrinkle. I love the moment when you unpack and hang everything in your hotel room and you see that it all fits together. Then you know that you have packed well.
BWB: Talking about beauty, what is your beauty routine? Any new brands you love these days?
The most important part of any beauty routine is eating well and drinking a lot of water. For products, I am very loyal. I love Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, Tracie Martyn Face and Body Resculpting Cream, Nars Multiple Portofino. I prefer MAC lipsticks -usually in a nude shade- and Janet Sartin Dual performance is a light foundation perfect for summer! And… I never forget sunscreen! My favorite is CoTZ.
For relaxation, I love Tracie Martyn for facial, she is a genius!
BWB: What about your wellness routine in New York? Any place you love for relaxation, fitness or healthy meals?
I try to meditate every morning though I am not very good at it. I also love to hike whenever I can and practice yoga, but the most important thing is to avoid stress. Stress is toxic! For relaxation, I love Tracie Martyn for facial, she is a genius!
BWB: In the mid 80’s my mother interviewed you for French Vogue when you launched a very unique line of makeup. Would you be tempted to create makeup again?
I never say never, makeup was a lot of fun!
I have always been fascinated by that moment in a young woman’s life, when all of the doors are starting to open and all you have to do is push.
BWB: Do you look at fashion through your granddaughters’ eyes? What is the most important advice you can give them?
My most important advice for my granddaughters is to work hard and when they go to bed at night, to dream of the woman they want to be and they will become that woman. I like to see the world through their eyes because they are my granddaughters and because I have always been fascinated by that moment in a young woman’s life, when all of the doors are starting to open and all you have to do is push.
