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Conversation | 03/08/2008 12:51 pm

Diane von Furstenberg: 'Fear is Not an Option'

Courtesy of Diane von Furstenberg

International Women’s Day was born on March 8, 1908, when fifteen thousand sweatshop workers, all women, took to the streets of New York to protest appalling working conditions and demand the right to vote. Their slogan was “Bread and Roses” — bread for decent pay, roses for a better life.

One hundred years later, International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world. Special attention is paid to helping women in developing countries achieve the rights that those garment workers fought for in 1908.

The designer Diane von Furstenberg, an immigrant garment worker herself, is collaborating with the N.G.O. Vital Voices, which trains and equips women around the world to run for political office, start businesses and succeed.

We at wOw talked to the legengdary fashion designer this week about her life and work on the occasion of Women’s Day:


JOAN: What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

DIANE: I enjoy working with women. In my company we are 97% women, they could all be my daughters. I love that feeling. Being with young people does not make me feel old. I don’t feel much different from them, just more experienced and therefore more secure.

JOAN: When you were 40, you said, “Now it’s time to become a myth.” What did you mean?

DIANE: At 40, you can no longer just count on your beauty or on your seduction power…I always joke and say that it is time to become a myth!!! Meaning stand for something…be the best at making apricot jam or whatever!!!

JOAN: What frightens you most?

DIANE: Fear is not an option.

JOAN: What is the biggest lesson you have learned?

DIANE: Don’t be afraid of your own strength.

JOAN: Which do you prefer attending, weddings or funerals?

DIANE: Weddings, of course. But what I like about funerals is that people are more vulnerable and sincere.

JOAN: Does New York nightlife hold any fascination for you at this stage in your life?

DIANE: Going out in New York is about witnessing something new…a play, a show, a movie, a book!!! New York is a center for culture.

JOAN: Have you ever thought about cutting your hair short, dyeing it?

DIANE: I did cut my hair very, very short in 1984. I needed a change, and a change I got. Not just the hair, but I moved to Paris and fell in love with a new man.

JOAN: What’s the secret?

DIANE: The secret is to enjoy being you. I love the role of senior.

JOAN: How do you and Barry Diller stay so tight? What makes your marriage tick?

DIANE: Barry has been a lover, a friend, a husband…and he is good at all the roles. He loves me unconditionally and has taught me to do the same.

JOAN: You work with Nathan Jenden. How did you find him? How do you work together?

DIANE: I trust, respect and love Nathan. I think he feels the same about me, which is why we communicate so well. I have a huge design Studio now. Nathan is the Creative Director, but I have a huge team and some are very talented. To improve the Studio, to find constantly new and young talent, is something I want to focus on in the next year. The Studio is truly becoming a lab for young talent. I am very involved with the schools and in setting up competitions.

JOAN: Will you ever design for men?

DIANE: I ONLY design for women!

JOAN: Any women artists you particularly admire?

DIANE: All women inspire me. Ahn Duong is my friend artist. She is a great painter and even a better sculptor.

JOAN: What’s your most common saying? (Is it still “Do you love me?”)

DIANE: Do you love me is a way to say…I love you!

JOAN: Who is your best friend (besides Barry)?

DIANE: My children, Alexandre and Tatiana are by far my best friends.

JOAN: What is the motto you live by?

DIANE: Go for it!!!

JOAN: What computer do you use?

DIANE: Vaio…but I may switch to Mac!!!

JOAN: I know you give back all the time — specifically, now, what?

DIANE: I prefer giving to receiving. It is a privilege to be able to share, to make a difference.

JOAN: Plastic surgery: yes, no, if not, why not, if not, what else?

DIANE: I know women wonder why I have done nothing to my face. I don’t even know myself. I would love to resist it — always. I don’t feel very beautiful, but I feel fulfilled. These days don’t have enough hours, because I get into so many things. I feel very engaged – I love it!!!

THE END

41 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Mary Wallace
Fears are a lot like highway billboards. The faster you are moving, the quicker they approach, the larger they get and the more they block your view of what’s real and alive. To the point that they tower above you, larger than life itself, giving you pause and more reason than ever to turn around and retreat to safety. Yet if you muster the courage to stay the course, in just a blink they are behind you, put into proper perspective, and then as quickly as they appeared, they completely vanish. So, please, stay the course.” www.tut.com
By Mary Wallace on 03/08/2008 6:54 pm
AnnP
I love Diane’s attitude.
By AnnP on 03/08/2008 7:52 pm
GeeZ
I agree being engaged in life and following your passion makes one ageless! No boundaries!
By GeeZ on 03/08/2008 8:07 pm
Christine Lewicki
I wish you had a picture of Diane.
By Christine Lewicki on 03/09/2008 12:52 am
JGardiner
JOAN: What is the biggest lesson you have learned? DIANE: Don’t be afraid of your own strength An amazing mantra. Thanks for sharing
By JGardiner on 03/09/2008 11:58 am
Jane_Heir
Macs rule. :-) Loved the interview.
By Jane_Heir on 03/09/2008 2:26 pm
Joan Mullaney
As a Catholic, I’m attending a Retreat. The priest starts the one hour talk with, “You are God’s delight.” He also said not to fear and he gave us this short prayer: Lord, help me to know the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is. I think it goes with Diane’s thoughts. No fear, especially of your own strength. I feel empowered by these words. Thanks. Joan Mullaney
By Joan Mullaney on 03/09/2008 2:47 pm
Nan Rae Parker
Congratulations on a much needed great site! I’m a huge fan of Diane von Furstenberg and enjoyed the interview with her …….however, you can’t call her”an immigrant garment worker herself”. That’s really stretching it and taking all the true meaning out of that phrase. Please let’s be real. Nan Rae
By Nan Rae Parker on 03/09/2008 3:15 pm
open4lifecoach
First I have to say that 33 years ago when I was pregnant with my son, I had this incredible Diane von Furstenberg maternity dress that made me feel so beautiful and fashionable with my huge belly. Hope a thank you to Diane for the great design isn’t too late!! As for fear, there’s a great acronym that I always keep in mind: F false E evidence A appearing R real
By open4lifecoach on 03/09/2008 7:13 pm
AmeliePoulain
I like that acronym Karen! Thanks for that! I have a motto surrounding fear too. “Fear is an opportunity to experience courage.” This works for me a lot.
By AmeliePoulain on 04/16/2008 2:22 pm
Renee
I think Diane von Furstenberg is able to know , from personal experiences both good and bad, where women’s priorities are in today’s world - loved reading her story.
By Renee on 03/10/2008 12:02 am
charlotte_ohare
At 40, you can no longer just count on your beauty or on your seduction power”… I disagree completely. Men do not usually count the number of wrinkles on your face or how much botox is in your forehead. They look at the energy you project and the movement in your body parts. If you feel attractive, then you are attractive, regardless of your age.
By charlotte_ohare on 03/10/2008 7:49 am
open4lifecoach
Completely agree with you Charlotte. My grandmother always used to say that pretty comes from the inside out.
By open4lifecoach on 03/10/2008 9:57 am
brendainchicago
why, oh, why did i get rid of my wrap dress from the 70’s!!! i can see it clearly—orange and cream print,short-sleeves,mid-calf length and so flattering.who knew?it would be interesting to have a segment listing what we should have kept. books,clothes,etc. i can also picture a halston dark green silk blouse. also my sgt.pepper’s album!! —back on topic-sorry—diane , you are a wonder and a role model for us all.
By brendainchicago on 03/10/2008 10:21 am
MoxieHudson
I LOVE the “Fear is not an option” quote! That will be my battlecry as I get older. Fear is a waste of time and doesn’t get you anywhere. I just put my fear to the side, acknowledge it maybe, and continue forging ahead with grace and energy. Diane — could you design with some larger sizes please? Your clothes seem cut very small. I am a real size 14 and can’t fit an armhole into your clothes!!! Chicness is the ONLY option!!!
By MoxieHudson on 03/10/2008 10:48 am