Few designers can claim to have their name synonymous with a single product, but Diane von Furstenberg is frequently — and deservedly — interchangeable with “the wrap dress,” which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Discovered by former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland— who reportedly described it as “genius” when she set eyes upon it— and propelled to fame by celebrity fans, the dress’ most extraordinary quality is its timelessness and ability to make a statement. It’s been worn by women in power, such as First Lady Michelle Obama and Columbian activist Ingrid Betancourt, and celebrities like Madonna and Amy Winehouse— and has even had starring roles in films.
Cybill Shepherd donned one in "Taxi Driver," (1975) while getting chatted up by Robert De Niro. More recently, Amy Adams’ character in “American Hustle” (2013) rocked three different vintage specimens, echoing one of von Furstenberg's famous mantras: “Feel like a woman, wear a dress.”
As most iconic designs do, this one happened by accident, according to its creator, who had initially set out to make a ballerina-inspired wrap top and matching skirt. It morphed into a dress rather resembling a bathrobe, but oh, what a frock it turned out to be.
Through the years, the dress has been near-endlessly updated with variations in fabric and print — animal, geometric, you name it. And now, a retrospective called “Journey of a Dress” showcases 200 of her best work at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, along with a gallery of portraits of her by Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, Helmut Newton and Annie Leibovitz, as well as contemporary art works by the likes of Anh Duong and Zhang Huan from her personal collection.
“I make dresses that women get laid in,” von Furstenberg has told reporters, which helps explain how her fashion empire has grown to 1,500 points of sale in 55 countries and 85 branded boutiques worldwide.
The designer, notwithstanding her previous status as the German Princess Diane zu Fürstenberg, further noted: “This dress has paid for all my bills and my children’s educations.”
"Journey of a Dress" is on at the LACMA from now till April 1, 2014. To see highlights of the exhibition, click on the slideshow.
