Diane von Furstenberg

Biography

Diane von Furstenberg was born in Brussels in 1946 and married Prince Egon von Furstenberg in 1969, becoming Princess Diane. She began designing in 1970 and launched her own label in 1972, working from a New York studio. The wrap dress was introduced in 1974: printed silk jersey, surplice closure with a tie at the side, knee length, designed for a working woman to put on quickly in the morning. The dress retailed at around $40 (about $250 in 2024 money). The first manufacturer shipped 25,000 in 1974; by 1976 the wrap dress had become its own category and other manufacturers were producing copies. Von Furstenberg's company peaked commercially in 1976, declined through the late 1970s, was sold to Beatrice Foods in 1983, was bought back by von Furstenberg in 1997, and has been a continuously-traded business since. She remains active. The 1974–1978 original wrap dresses are the collected category.

Signature pieces

• Original wrap dress (1974 onward) in printed silk jersey
• Printed silk jersey separates
• Animal-print wrap dresses (1976)

Silhouette

• Wrap closure with side tie
• Knee-length, easy to wear
• Printed jersey throughout

Fabric repertoire

Cotton-rayon jersey (the original 1974 fabric) · Silk jersey in printed editions · Polyester jersey in 1980s editions

Label history

Often the fastest way to date a piece.

Current market ranges

Ranges reflect 2024–2026 transaction data. Condition, provenance, and original labels remain dominant variables.

Authentication notes

• Studio Stamp is the diagnostic for original 1974–1978 pieces.
• Cotton-rayon jersey of the original is heavier than later polyester versions.
• Wrap construction has a specific shoulder cut — slightly dropped, with the wrap point sitting at the natural waist.

Known forgery patterns

• Modern DVF and modern 'wrap dresses' from other manufacturers are widely sold; the Studio Stamp label and the fabric weight distinguish.

Museum holdings

• · The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, New York
• · Fashion Institute of Technology Museum, New York

Primary sources

Public collections and archives we cross-reference for Diane von Furstenberg attribution. Search by maker name or browse the costume collection.

• [1]The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Diane von Furstenberg collection search
• [2]Victoria and Albert Museum — Diane von Furstenberg maker records
• [3]Palais Galliera (Paris Musées) — Diane von Furstenberg holdings
• [4]Kerry Taylor Auctions archive — Diane von Furstenberg lot history
• [5]Invaluable cross-auction archive — Diane von Furstenberg comparable sales

Adjacent designers