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