Woman before fashion exhibition by Diane von Fürstenberg
A first for Europe
From 21 April, 2023, until 7 January, 2024, the Mode en Kant Museum in Brussels will present the exhibition 'Diane von Fürstenberg: Woman before fashion', paying tribute to the creator of the iconic wrap dress, which will celebrate its half-century mark next year. But who was the woman behind these creations?
Diane Halfin was born in Brussels shortly after World War II. During her economics studies in Geneva, she met her future husband, Prince Eduard Egon von Fürstenberg. After graduating, she learned the art of cutting, colouring, and fabric design from Italian industrialist Angelo Ferretti. Initially, fashion design was not her ambition; she aimed to empower women with confidence.
With a suitcase full of dresses, she moved to New York in 1970. There, she was inspired by the freedom and diversity in women's clothing styles. These "crazy looks" greatly influenced her. When she saw the daughter of the American President Nixon on TV in 1972, dressed in a wrap top and skirt, she decided to combine the two into one garment. The iconic wrap dress was born, making fashion history. The wrap dress is characterized by its timeless and diverse prints, a unique language of colours and designs applied by Von Fürstenberg. It quickly became a symbol of power and independence for many women.
Freedom has always been the driving force behind Von Fürstenberg. She has always strived for independence in everything she does. Although our way of thinking has evolved since the '70s, the desire for freedom remained.
Visit 'Diane von Fürstenberg: Woman before fashion' at the Mode en Kant Museum in Brussels from 21 April, 2023, until 7 January, 2024. Discover over fifty beautiful dresses, each supported by illustrative material. This unique exhibition offers a free approach to the work and life of this famous Belgian-American fashion designer, who understood what women wanted and still want. Reserve your tickets now and enjoy an extraordinary cultural adventure.
Combine your visit with an overnight stay at the Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre for a complete experience. Book your stay via the link below to get 10% off on your night away.
