“Woman Before Fashion” by Diane von Furstenberg is now showing at the Skirball Cultural Center in LA, showcasing her fashion legacy for women.
This multidisciplinary exhibition, which runs from October 17, 2024, to August 31, 2025, coincides with the 50th anniversary of her iconic wrap dress, a garment that has become synonymous with female empowerment and independence.
The exhibition is organized into four distinct sections, each highlighting a different facet of von Furstenberg’s life and career. The first section delves into the origins of the wrap dress, showcasing its evolution and significance through various artifacts, including sketches, fabric swatches, and historical context. The wrap dress was not merely a fashion statement; it represented a shift in how women approached their identities and roles in society. Von Furstenberg herself described the dress as her “American dream,” a symbol of liberation that resonated deeply with women seeking freedom and confidence during the 1970s.
The second section focuses on von Furstenberg’s bold designs and artistic collaborations. Her work often drew inspiration from renowned artists such as Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol, resulting in vibrant prints that captured the spirit of creativity and femininity. This section emphasizes her personal connection to the theme of freedom—an ethos instilled in her from a young age by her mother, a Holocaust survivor who referred to her daughter as her “torch of freedom.”
The third part of the exhibition, titled “The American Dream,” chronicles von Furstenberg’s rise to fame after launching her brand in 1972. At just 26 years old, she traveled across the United States to connect with women directly, helping them try on her designs. This grassroots approach allowed her to understand their desires and aspirations, which she translated into clothing that continues to resonate with women today. The section features memorabilia from her early career, including magazine covers and advertising campaigns that solidified her status as a fashion icon.
The final section, “WeAr(e)Able Stories,” encapsulates von Furstenberg’s advocacy for women’s empowerment. It highlights her commitment to gender equity and human rights, showcasing how she has used her platform to inspire others. This part of the exhibition features dresses designed in homage to influential women in von Furstenberg’s life, including pieces worn by notable figures like Michelle Obama and Paris Hilton.
“Woman Before Fashion” is not just an exhibition of clothing; it is a celebration of the journey of a woman who has consistently pushed boundaries in both fashion and social advocacy. As she reflects on her career, von Furstenberg emphasizes that her goal has always been to inspire other women to embrace their identities and pursue their dreams.
The exhibition is complemented by a lavishly illustrated catalogue featuring interviews and essays that provide deeper insights into von Furstenberg’s life and work. Visitors can expect an enriching experience that goes beyond visual displays to engage with the themes of resilience, creativity, and empowerment that define Diane von Furstenberg’s legacy.
As this retrospective unfolds at the Skirball Cultural Center, it serves as a poignant reminder of how fashion can be intertwined with personal narratives and societal change—a testament to Diane von Furstenberg’s enduring impact on women’s lives around the world.
