The Wrap Dress Enters into a New Modernity

Diane Von Furstenberg imagined the wrap dress for special occasions, and its story has been undeniably linked to the jet setting chic of the 70s ever since. Thought to be the ultimate piece to bring a woman from the office to a dinner party, the wrap dress would soon become an emblem of modern day beauties. Worn by Betty Ford and Gloria Steinem, there was no better publicity for it than Diane Von Furstenberg herself posing on the cover of the March 1976 edition of Newsweek. Today, as the label is headed by a man, Jonathan Saunders, this icon of the past is reigniting all its sex appeal with a bright new cut.

“Do you realize, he got inspiration from someone that I myself met at Studio 54?” Diane Von Furstenberg highlighted backstage of the Spring/Summer 2018 runway. Saunders is indeed propelling the brand into a new era – an era where Jane Forth, a Warhol-era it girl, is a primary source of inspiration. From this glamour made of Manhattan fashion and art, Jonathan Saunders created an on point and dangerously desirable wrap dress. This wrap dress’ composition is mixed and points towards a decidedly rebellious allure. “The color and the prints work so well in terms of the brand’s DNA that it’s easy for me to work with it.”

The combination is divine: hypnotic 70s stripes, sequins, and innovative cuts made of an ultra-light coated fabric. It doesn’t take much more to make it one of the most imposing pieces for next season. “Instead of being a jersey wrap dress, I used the diagonal cut on silks and satins to pursue this feeling of fluidity, of femininity and simplicity, but for me it seems to be a more relevant product for the moment. One can only remark the agility of  Diane Von Furstenberg’s creative director in his third season.