Copyright International Business Times
Fashion's reigning empress of confidence, Diane von Furstenberg, has spent the last five decades reminding women to be "the woman they want to be." Now, at 78, she's showing the world what that mantra looks like in practice — equal parts grace, candor, and self-assured composure. This month, von Furstenberg has been making headlines not for a new runway collection, but for her heartfelt response to husband Barry Diller's public revelation that he is gay — and for being honored as a Cultural Icon by New York's Perelman Performing Arts Center. Diane von Furstenberg on Barry Diller's Coming-Out: "It Doesn't Change Anything" When media titan Barry Diller disclosed his sexuality in his forthcoming memoir, it could have easily ignited tabloid frenzy. Instead, von Furstenberg's response was strikingly unshaken. "What's the difference? It doesn't change anything," she told The Cut. "I married two gay men, OK?" Diane, who was previously married to Prince Egon von Fürstenberg—a fashion figure in his own right who was openly bisexual—approached the news with the same frankness that has long defined her public persona. She went on to say that Diller's memoir isn't about his sexuality, but about his extraordinary life, adding that she had encouraged him to write it. Her tone was one of affection and acceptance, not surprise — underscoring a modern, nuanced understanding of love and partnership. Honored as a Cultural Icon Even as her personal life draws attention, von Furstenberg continues to collect accolades for her unmatched contributions to design and culture. This October, she will be honored with the Cultural Icon Award from the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York City — recognizing her five-decade influence in fashion, philanthropy, and women's empowerment. Speaking with El País, von Furstenberg reflected on her storied career, describing this period of her life as one centered on "connection, kindness, and passing on what I've learned." It's a fitting theme for a woman whose work has always fused strength and sensuality — from her legendary wrap dress, first launched in 1974, to her decades of advocacy for women's leadership and independence. The Legacy of the Wrap Dress — and Beyond The DVF brand has long stood as shorthand for self-assurance. Von Furstenberg's wrap dress — the effortless jersey creation that liberated a generation of women — remains one of fashion's most enduring symbols of empowerment. But in recent years, Diane's focus has shifted from fabric to philosophy. Through her global platform InCharge, she mentors women in business and creative industries, urging them to harness their own voices and visibility. "I've had a very full life," she told El País. "Now I want to use my experience to help others find their strength." A Modern Reflection on Love and Identity What's perhaps most remarkable about von Furstenberg's recent remarks isn't the revelation itself, but her response. In a cultural climate still negotiating definitions of identity and love, her words — "It doesn't change anything" — read like a manifesto of empathy and evolution. Her ease in acknowledging fluidity, both in relationships and in life, reflects not detachment but deep understanding. As one social media commentator put it, "Diane isn't shocked — she's enlightened." What's Next for DVF Insiders say the designer is preparing for a new chapter that focuses less on the runway and more on legacy. Expect continued mentorship efforts under her InCharge initiative and potential brand collaborations centered on sustainability, storytelling, and women's leadership. At a time when authenticity is fashion's rarest commodity, Diane von Furstenberg remains its most luminous example — a woman who has lived every part of her life, personally and professionally, in charge.
