The DVF wrap dress, designed by Diane von Furstenberg, debuted 50 years ago and remains a classic. Like a peak on a seismograph, its popularity spikes every few years — and somehow always seems new and fresh each time.
Image from here
I was too young to be in tune with fashion when the original DVF wrap dress was launched, but I’ve witnessed its subsequent bursts of popularity over the years. It’s a classic because it flatters women of all shapes and sizes. Made of stretchy jersey fabric, it is soft and comfortable to wear and comes in solids and colorful prints. The v-neck wrap style makes it versatile and easy to personalize the fit. With just a simple tie belt closure — no fussy buttons, hooks, or zips — it is the perfect garment to throw on and go.
People say I invented the wrap dress, but, if I’m honest, the dress created me. Because of it, I became confident and independent – it gave me the opportunity to be the woman I wanted to be, and I want to share that confidence with other women
Diane von Furstenberg, designer, quoted from here
Why this Dress is So Special
The right place at the right time. The 1970s were a time of change for women, especially in the US. More women were entering the workplace and attitudes about women’s roles in the home and society were changing. The DVF wrap dress exuded a carefree yet empowering vibe — of freedom, independence, confidence, and femininity — that reflected how women were feeling at the time. These vibes never go out of style, which is why I think the dress remains an icon.
It’s more than a dress, it’s a spirit, says von Furstenberg of her iconic design, which gave women ease and independence 50 years ago, and continues to do so to this day.
Excerpt from here
Michelle Obama wearing a DVF wrap dress in 2014. Image from here
Sewing a DVF Wrap Dress
In 1974, the Simplicity Pattern Company released an “American Designer Original” sewing pattern — a wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg — so home sewers could make their own versions. In honor of the design’s 50th year, Simplicity pulled the design from its archives and released an authentic vintage reproduction of the original sewing pattern. And based on reviews by sewists who have compared the original with the reissue, the pattern and instructions are vintage 1970s!
I’ll be making my own version using this beautiful viscose knit fabric. I’ll keep you posted on my progress!
That one little dress has taught me everything I know about fashion, life, women, and confidence.
Diane von Furstenberg, Designer, quoted from here
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