Diane von Furstenberg and her new creative director, Yvan Mispelaere, found pre-fall inspiration in a moment that has the legendary designer s initials written all over it. "We looked back at the glorious American sportswear of the 1970 s," Mispelaere explained. "Diane s focus, then as now, is on the working girl, and easy clothes to go to work with." At times the influence felt quite literal, as with the geometric print of a matching blouse and skirt, or a brown Ultrasuede shirtdress. But more often than not, the results were subtle; this despite a bright Edward Hopper-meets-Alex Katz palette that paired an emerald green mohair coat with a mustard rib knit turtleneck and turquoise pants, or a lemon yellow hammered silk top with a brick red skirt. The most modern piece in the collection just might be their update to the original wrap dress, which isn t really a wrap dress at all, just looks like one. "It goes on like a T-shirt," Mispelaere said. "No zippers; Diane doesn t like zippers." Why, exactly? "Because they wake up your lover when you re slipping back into your dress."
