Diane Von Furstenberg AW14 Ready To Wear

Have you ever read the DVF story?

A Belgian born, American woman who married a German Prince whilst tackling the fashion industry divorced him and became Queen Designer of the fashion world and President of the CFDA. A remarkable story maybe so, but central to this story is one key piece of clothing, the iconic wrap dress that made all Diane’s’ dreams come true.

Diane herself claimed:
‘The minute I knew I was about to be Egon’s wife, I decided to have a career. I wanted to be someone of my own, and not just a plain little girl who got married beyond her desserts’.

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After moving to New York and presenting her designs to Vogue editor Diane Vreeland, who declared her designs ‘smashing’, Diane’s brand expanded and gained worldwide success. In 1974 Diane created the iconic wrap dress which established the foundation of her soon to be successful career which saw her elected as President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Her designs have been embraced by many starlets particularly women in power such as Kate Middleton and Michelle Obama and have been captured on the red carpet worn by Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna to name a few.

The DVF AW14 runway was beyond all our expectations. The 60’s were central to the overall trend vision found on this catwalk and I was delighted with the use of colour and quirky prints, an aspect Diane excels at season after season. Whilst Diane is feisty and experimental the pieces are flawless and exquisite meaning their elegance remains understated and effortless as opposed to overpowering like many other designers.

Boundary pushing

Prints are everything when it comes to Diane’s collections and she is unafraid to experiment. She has the ability to combine contrasting prints and make them into the chicest outfits. Although mono and grey are primary to her boundary pushing trend it is the added pop of colour which make each ensemble striking. A/W coats are arguably the hardest pieces to perfect but once again Diane has proven this as less of a challenge and completed this at ease. This is captured through her collection.

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Bold and daring

In my opinion colour is EVERYTHING. Classic Diane colours are magentas and fuchsia as seen in these first two looks. However she does not restrict herself. My favourite is this powerful electric blue gown with the most flattering cut I have ever seen. Despite remaining simplistic in majority, the added detail on at the neckline allows the rest of the outfit to speak for itself. This first look is daring and takes a little bravery to embrace but Diane is not only a designer, but an inspirational woman who empowers women in what they wear. Wearing Diane’s ensembles make women feel confident, classy and fabulous.

Effortless elegance

Diane proves that simplicity still has an overwhelming presence on the catwalk. Here the focus is on the variation of cuts found throughout the collection. A particular focus is placed upon the necklines which are the central point to each ensemble. These gowns are flowing and flawless and the minimal hair and beauty looks found on each model are complimented by these darling pieces. Michael Kors managed to pull of brown in his SS14 collection, Diane has followed.

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DVF divine

So far we have seen the quirky, colourful side of Diane’s ensembles but we forget her ability to create some of the most dominant and regal outfits the world has seen. The likes of Jessica Alba accompanied her to this year’s Met ball and wore one of Diane’s trend ‘DVF’s divine’ ensembles. This shimmering, sheer gold she has used towards the end of her collection is rich and ravishing. Once again we see a variation in necklines from halter to scalloped yet all looking equally delightful. There is a reason Diane chairs the CFDA. First she won over Diane Vreeland, and then the fashion industry, now? The world. Diane we applaud you and your impeccable use of colour, print, cuts and experimentation.