Diane Von Furstenberg

Diane Von Furstenberg is the founder of an American fashion design label that bears her name. Her label offers women's apparel, including luggage, dresses, swimwear, cosmetics, accessories and a full line of sportswear. von Furstenberg appeared on the fashion scene in 1972 with her first design, a wrap dress. Four years later, millions of her designs sold to women who wanted to be free of the restriction of tight, uncomfortable clothes. In 1977 she reinvented the dress that made her famous and turned her name into a globally recognized fashion icon.

The 2005 Lifestyle Achievement Award was awarded to the designer, from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Being a longtime resident of the meat-packing district in New York, Ms. Ferstenberg is not afraid to lift her voice about social issues. Her studios, are opened on a regular basis to host events that are enriching to women all over the world.

In The City, a MTV reality documentary, Whitney Port is followed by cameras as she begins her career at Diane Von Furstenberg's fashion house in New York City.Official Site: The City The TV show is set in the fashion world at DVF and von Furstenberg is not expected to appear before the cameras, too often. Port told US Weekly that she did get a chance to work with the icon, for five whole minutes, it was so surreal. Port expects to see a lot more of the designer as time go on. The City is a spin-off of the MTV reality show The Hills

Diane von Furstenberg started her fashion career in 1972. Her original wrap dress, produced in 1973, is now on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Von Furstenberg reintroduced the wrap dresses in her line in 1997. Diane Von Furstenberg sells to high quality stores, and has 22 free standing boutiques worldwide.

Being a philanthropist at heart, von Furstenberg said to help, give and inspire is a privilege. After many years of community involvement, von Furstenberg started the DVF Awards that honor four recipients who have displayed courage, strength and leadership through the year. The award goes to people who have improved their community and caused change in other areas that help and inspire women to overcome any obstacle, be it political, environmental or social.

"Feel like a woman, wear a dress."