The Smell of Success

Fashion owes a massive debt to Diane Von Furstenberg for inventing the wrap dress back in 1973, but now it looks like the beauty world is going to indebted to the talented designer and former Princess on the back of her brand new signature scent, simply titled Diane. STELLAR caught up with the fashion legend to talk fashion, beauty and living without regrets.

What was the inspiration behind your new scent?

“The Frangipani flower I discovered in Bali, which is a very special place for me. And I love the violet because it is delicate, but also strong and mischievous.  It is a powerful combination.  All of my secrets of seduction are in the bottle!”

 

 

How did you ensure it would appeal to women all over the world?

“It helps to understand women, which I think I always have. And I do not design anything I would not wear. So I try to create something for myself that other women can relate to. DIANE was no different. It is very personal, yes, but it is a classic. It is a scent every woman can wear and feel like herself.”

 

 

Apart from your own perfume, what other fragrances do you wear?

“I only wear DIANE now but before it was created, I wore Joy and Diorissimo.”

 

What is your first olfactory memory?

“The smell of the woods after the rain.”

 

How important is scent in a woman’s beauty arsenal?

“Fragrance is the ultimate accessory! It is the only thing that stays in a room and in a man’s memory, after you have left. Every woman must wear perfume.”

 

 

What’s the best beauty tip you’ve picked up over the years?

“A photographer once told me to wear my hair curly…and I have ever sense. But the best tip I think is to be yourself, to be confident and that will be beautiful.”

 

 

What is always in your beauty bag?

“Tracie Martyn firming serum.”

 

 

Any plans to develop make-up products?

“There are always more plans! We will have another beautiful, light summer scent next year.”

 

 

If you could go back and talk to your 25-year-old self, what would you say?

“I would say go for it. You only regret the things you don’t do!”

 

 

What do you consider your best feature?

“My legs. And my heart!”

 

 

What are the greatest lessons life has taught you so far?

“The most important relationship is the relationship you have with yourself. If that is strong… if you know who you are and if you stay true to that, all of your other relationships will be stronger and more meaningful.”

 

 

How do you feel about ageing?

“Age is life… we should live it and never hide it!”

 

 

Your wrap dress is a design classic, what other garment do you wish you had invented first?

“That is hard… I am pretty happy with the wrap dress, but maybe blue jeans.”

 

What are the items every woman should own in their wardrobes?

“A black dress that travels well… a pair of really high heels, a crisp white shirt, a sleek trouser, and a beautiful ladylike bag.”

 

Do you believe luxury is just as important in these hard times?

“Quality is important. Luxury is different for everyone.”

Your new collection reveals a return to ladylike looks, what epitomises a lady in your opinion?

“A lady is a woman who knows herself and is not afraid to be that…she knows what she wants and goes after it.”

What items are you coveting for spring?

“I am obsessed with my Harper connect handbag because I can take my iPad with me everywhere and still look incredibly chic… so I am looking forward to all of the new colors it will come in for Spring.”

What is the secret of your success?

“I don’t know if there is a secret, exactly. I knew the kind of woman I wanted to be and I worked hard to become that woman. So know yourself and be willing to work hard. Maybe that is the secret.”

How do you think the DVF woman has changed over the years or has she?

“I think confidence is timeless. The DVF woman is always fearless, she is strong and beautiful and empowered.”

What other designers excite you?

“I have so many friends who are designers, I hate to name just a few. But I always loved Pucci and Halston, Galliano, and Prabal Gurung and Rodarte are fierce new talent.”

Any advice for anyone planning a career in fashion?

“Know what you want and go for it! Work hard. Find a way in and then be the first in the office and the last one to leave. People will notice.”

Do you ever worry about ‘the competition’?

“Not really. I am my own competition. I try to be the best version of myself. That is all we can do.”

Is retirement an option for you?

“I suppose it’s an option, but not one that I find very appealing.”

Any regrets?

“No. You only regret the things you don’t do… and I have done it all!”

 

 

DIANE is available nationwide, priced €69 for 50ml.