The Woman I Wanted to Be

October 6, 2014
In this captivating memoir, fashion powerhouse von Furstenberg (Diane: A Signature Life) thoughtfully reflects on her colorful life—and doesn’t skimp on the juicy details. Von Furstenberg begins movingly by writing of her need to please her mother, a concentration camp survivor, while growing up in Brussels. The book then moves on to her life as a jet-set princess and fledgling designer in New York City, her invention of the iconic jersey wrap dress in the early 1970s, and stories of her children, Alexandre and Tatiana. “My 30s were my best years,” she reflects. “I was still young but felt grown up, lived an adventurous life, raised my two children, and ran a business. The 40s were harder.” Von Furstenberg also details a love life that involved men like Richard Gere, Alain Elkann, and Mark Peploe, and admits how long it took for her to realize that now-husband Barry Diller, whom she met when she was 28 and he was 33, was her soulmate. She outlines her many positive contributions to the fashion industry, but admirably doesn’t sugarcoat business missteps like her efforts in beauty licensing. This is a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the fashion world’s most enduring stars that will fascinate fashionistas and fans of strong, creative women. Agent: Andrew Wylie, Wylie Agency.