Diane von Furstenberg Shares Her Suitcase Secrets for a Flawlessly Practical Outfit
Diane von Furstenberg recently opened up about her unique approach to fashion and packing, offering insights into her philosophy on achieving the ideal practical outfit. During the celebration of the Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion exhibition at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, the iconic designer revealed her mantra for dressing well.
Born in Brussels, Belgium, the 77-year-old designer emphasizes the principle of “la petite valise,” a French term translating to “the little suitcase.” This idea represents her commitment to creating wardrobes that are both stylish and functional. Diane emphasizes that if one masters the art of packing, they essentially master the art of living.
“The essentials of a woman’s wardrobe should be timeless, practical pieces that never become outdated,” Diane stated. With a solid base of classic staples, she advocates for integrating eye-catching statement items that reflect the current season through bold colors, innovative fabrics, and striking silhouettes. This approach allows for effortless enhancement of everyday looks.
Among her must-have items is the iconic wrap dress, a signature piece that has graced the bodies of numerous A-listers such as Cindy Crawford, Madonna, and Sarah Jessica Parker, to name a few. Despite changing fashion trends, Diane insists that the fundamental design ethos of her brand remains unchanged, maintaining the essence of her beloved wrap dress while continually modernizing it.
Diane’s creative process is also heavily influenced by the women who wear her designs. The tagline “Woman Before Fashion” for her exhibition captures her focus on designing for the real lives of women. She admits to drawing inspiration from the remarkable women in her life, which she incorporates into her collections.
“Every design choice I make—whether it’s the choice of fabric, color, or silhouette—is aimed at crafting timeless looks that instill confidence and a sense of freedom in women,” Diane explained. This philosophy of freedom is prominently displayed throughout the various pieces featured in the Woman Before Fashion exhibition.
Fashion enthusiasts can experience this multidisciplinary exhibition, which will be available until August 31, 2025.
