Diane von Furstenberg Interview | In the Studio | The New York Times

Summary

In this intimate reflection, the designer shares the personal connection between their life and brand. Their office, which serves as a space for both work and personal life, embodies the essence of their creative philosophy. The designer speaks about their journey from not considering themselves a designer to dressing women across America. They express a deep attachment to their workspace, filled with family photos and sentimental items, creating a blend of living and working. The office itself, located in a historical area of New York, reflects their passion for community and personal space, including their role in the creation of the Highline park.

Takeaways

• 😀 The office serves as a reflection of the brand, providing a tangible sense of the brand's identity.
• 😀 The workspace is not just for design work; it's a multi-functional space where meetings, meals, and yoga sessions take place.
• 😀 The speaker initially did not consider themselves a designer, but their journey led them to create simple dresses that became widely popular.
• 😀 The brand and personal life of the speaker are closely intertwined, with a deep connection between work and daily life.
• 😀 The speaker never expected to build a brand, but their evolution led them to become a successful figure in the fashion world.
• 😀 The desk is a central piece of the workspace, valued for its design and significance, representing a connection to 20th-century artistry.
• 😀 The room is filled with personal photographs, representing a connection to loved ones and important people in the speaker's life.
• 😀 The workspace has a lived-in feel, functioning as both a place of work and a personal space for reflection and connection.
• 😀 The office building is made up of three brick structures, reflecting a combination of work and personal space that the speaker finds comfortable.
• 😀 The speaker’s neighborhood is deeply personal, with their office located near a park and within a community they feel connected to, including their involvement in the Highline project.

Q & A

What does the office environment signify for the speaker?

The office environment reflects the speaker's identity and the brand's essence, offering a sense of who they are.

How does the speaker view the relationship between their life and work?

The speaker sees their life and work as deeply interconnected, with personal experiences shaping the brand.

What activities does the speaker mention conducting in their office?

The speaker conducts meetings, has meals, and even practices yoga in their office, emphasizing a blend of work and personal life.

What was the speaker's initial intention upon arriving in New York?

Initially, the speaker aimed to become independent and create simple dresses, without initially identifying as a designer.

What type of desk does the speaker express a passion for?

The speaker has a passion for large tables, particularly a significant ruleman table described as a masterpiece of the 20th century.

How does the speaker describe the photographs in their office?

The photographs represent loved ones and the speaker feels they are too close to inspire creativity, instead embodying their personal life.

What unique architectural features are mentioned about the building?

The building consists of three little brick structures, creating a cozy and energetic environment for the speaker.

What personal connection does the speaker have with the Highline?

The speaker has a deep personal connection with the Highline, having played a role in its development, making it significant to them.

What is described as the speaker's 'little tree house'?

The 'little tree house' is a small bedroom in close proximity to the sea, contributing to the speaker's sense of comfort.

How does the speaker describe their office's atmosphere?

The speaker describes their office as a living room-like space, emphasizing a casual and energetic atmosphere that blends living and working.