We like to toss around the word legend, but no one is perhaps more deserving of the descriptor than fashion designer and breaker of glass ceilings Diane von Furstenberg. And through all of her success, she has always focused on giving back. Enter the DVF Awards, a yearly event that honors inspiring women and gives $50,000 to the organization with which they are affiliated. This year, the seventh annual gathering took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. With a view onto the East River, a tanned Von Furstenberg—who was dressed in a resplendent number of her own creation—reflected, “Every women is strong, but very often it’s hidden. Sometimes it’s a father or religion, or sometimes [we] just don’t want to show it. My advice to women is please bring out your strength, before you need it.”
One woman who has benefited from Von Furstenberg’s wisdom is Allison Williams, who recalled both meeting Von Furstenberg by chance during President Obama’s inauguration in 2009 and the designer speaking at her wedding just last year. With the grace of a prima ballerina in her leotard-like top and wrap skirt, the Girls actress gushed, “[Diane] speaks her mind—she’s intelligent, insightful, a great businesswoman . . . and honest about what she’s gone through.” Also present, extolling the power of Von Furstenberg’s example, were First Lady of New York Chirlane McCray, Jessica Joffe, and Liya Kebede.
Watching how the impressive list of guests interpreted and wore DVF was one of the wonders of the evening. Olivia Palermo, who came with her husband, Johannes Huebl (one of the few but welcome men in attendance), boldly mixed sequins, lace, and black-and-white silk—paired with a feathered coat. Ugandan beauty Agnes Igoye, who received the International Award for her work fighting against human trafficking, glowed in a python-laced, Grecian white dress and intricately crafted sandals with Lucite heels—by DVF, as well. Performer Justine Skye, who admitted she usually tends toward black because of her purple hair, went for a modern-day bohemian one-piece in shades of pink, marigold, and turquoise.
UNICEF goodwill ambassador and Tony Award–winning playwright, performer, and poet (as well as Inspiration Award winner) Sarah Jones chose a black lace jumpsuit with a strategic slit in the back: “I’m feeling myself in my DVF,” she said. “Diane reminds you to live into what you have, whatever it is, right now.”