The Fashion Walk of Fame

(NEW YORK) Not only are they two American design greats known for capturing the modern woman's sensibility, Diane von Furstenberg and the late Liz Claiborne have more in common then one might think. Both were born in Brussels, a fact von Fursteberg only discovered Wednesday morning, when she and Claiborne were honored with spots on the Fashion Walk of Fame. Industry folk, including Steven Kolb, Isabel Toledo, Hamish Bowles and Fern Mallis, gathered at the Bryant Park Grill for the induction ceremony and breakfast.

This marks the first time in five years that new designers have been added to the prestigious ranks of the Fashion Walk of Fame, a project of the Fashion Center Business Improvement District. Claiborne and von Furstenberg join 24 other icons immortalized with the distinction, including Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Halston, Calvin Klein, Anne Klein and Oscar de la Renta. This year's inductees were chosen from over 100 candidates. Valerie Steele spearheaded the selection committee, which included Harold Koda, Marylou Luther Imparato, Paper's Kim Hastreiter and others.

Art Orenberg held back tears as he accepted the posthumous award on behalf of his late wife, who is credited with creating the working woman's wardrobe. "I speak for her and through her, because I am convinced she is with us here," said Orenberg, who thanked Claiborne's parents, mentors and colleagues.

Von Furstenberg was thrilled with the much-deserved honor. "A little bit over three decades ago, I came to New York with a few little dresses I had made in a tiny suitcase and a child in my belly. I was terrified of Seventh Avenue," the designer recalled. "It's an honor to get this from the very neighborhood that intimidated me so much." After the day's excitement, von Furstenberg is headed out of town for a brief break from the impending madness of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. "I'm going on vacation tonight!" she exclaimed. "I'll be on a boat, sailing away."
NOLA WEINSTEIN