Dressing Lessons with DVF

(NEW YORK) Straight off the plane after a three-week trip to China, on the heels of receiving an award in Shanghai for Best International Designer, Diane von Furstenberg arrived at her 14th Street studio Monday night ready to talk business. The designer and In Style's Hal Rubenstein engaged in a dialogue before an audience of stylish fans--a lucky crowd of 60 who had each forked over $550 to attend the American Express Platinum All Fashion Access event.

Rubenstein, for his part, showered the designer with praises. "Diane von Furstenberg is one of the sexiest people I have ever met in my entire life...she is proof that self-esteem does what no moisturizer can," he said. "I defy any woman to look terrible in a wrap dress; if you look bad in a wrap dress you should just go home."

Picking up on that vote of confidence, von Furstenberg explained the evolution of her brand and offered her advice to women. "Color is magic. Imagine if your garden was black and white--it wouldn't look very good," she said, encouraging women to step out of their comfort zone. In spite of the jet lag, her sense of humor remained intact. "For those of you who don't know, this is the Meatpack District," she said. "A lot of Japanese tour buses go around and say, 'Oh, this is where Diane von Furstenberg lives.'"

Guests were each given a $300 gift certificate to shop, and Von Furstenberg looked on as women eagerly tried on her wares. "I am so proud and happy with my relationship with women everywhere," she said. "Since September I have not slept in the same place for more than three nights in a row; half the time I wake up and have no clue where I am." Von Furstenberg is looking forward to a week of skiing this holiday season.

As for American Express Platinum card holders, there are more fashion lessons in store for them in the New Year. They will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for an evening with Carolina Herrera and Stacy London in February.
NOLA WEINSTEIN