While visiting my grandparents in Boca Raton, Florida a few months back, I did a few things that are rather customary by now. They include scarfing down a tuna sandwich from Toojays, looking at old photos from the old country and of course attempting to organize the closets and potentially find some gems.
While glancing at pictures from the 1970s, I realized my grandmother had some chic pieces back in Peru — tailored suits, incredible silk blouses and a wrap dress that would forever transform the way a woman dresses. When I asked her about Diane Von Furstenberg’s iconic dress, she simply looked at me and said, ‘What do I know, I gave it away when we moved to America!’
After that statement, a few thoughts went through my head — confusion, sadness and of course, ‘how could this happen?’ I mean wearing an original ‘Made in Italy’ DVF that belonged to grandmother (if, of course, I would fit in it), is only something most likely every fashion blogger fantasizes about. But alas, I moved on.
While in Los Angeles this past week, I drove on Wilshire a few times and realized Diane’s bold prints and photos were plastered outside the Wilshire May Company in the center of La La Land. After a little bit of research, I found out the free-spirited designer known for incredible prints, color combinations and pretty much perfect sartorialisms has a whole exhibit devoted to this little dress and its influence on fashion.
‘Journey of a Dress’ is a retrospective of vintage and contemporary DVF designs from the last 40 years. The exhibit also includes a series of photos by Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Chuck Close and other celebrated artists, as well as a thorough story of how this garment became a pop culture phenomenon.
Though I am back in the Bay and full of projects, an escape to L.A. is always in the books, so don’t be surprised to see an abundance of tweets, Instagram photos and possibly another post about the lady that knows a thing or two about living life to the fullest. From looking at the photos, I know it’s going to be an exhibit that’ll be impossible to miss.
Boys, there is no need to frown — as I can pretty much guarantee there will be plenty of eye candy, considering hundreds of stars have donned these designs for the past 40 years!
And kids, that’s a wrap! Sorry, I know it’s too easy cheesy, but I had to.
Ryzenberg On, is Signing Off
Photos: WWD
The Woman, the Myth, the Legend: Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Diane Von Furstenberg.
Pink, Prints and Fashion: A glance of what’s to expect inside this magical museum. Can I just move here?
Cover Girl: The iconic designer on the cover of ‘Newsweek’ 38 years ago.
Wrapped Around the Corner: The many DVF styles on display at the Los Angeles exhibition.
American Hustling in a wrap dress: Amy Adams wearing an original DVF in the movie ‘American Hustle with Christian Bale.
DVF 40 Journey of a Dress | Jan. 11-Apr. 1 | Wilshire May Company Building | 6067 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036