Nipping passed the Diane Von Furstenberg shop in Bruton Street London yesterday, we noticed in the window that the new vintage range had arrived. Diane by Diane Von Furstenberg revives some of the original prints from DVF's first collections back in the mid 70s and uses them in the best selling classic wrap dress and other simple, easy to wear shapes that look very useful.
The graphic prints are bright and cheery and are all on the heavy silk jersey that makes the wrap dress such a star. I've had a silk wrap dress for about 15 years and it is still looking as good as new. Although it seems an expensive initial purchase (the cheapest dress is £255) they do last the course and nothing beats them to travel with. I liked the shapes, particularly the tunic, the wrap and the simple dresses.
The range is available on line and is merchandised separately in the Bruton Street store in a riot of colour and print, it almost outshines the rest of the collection. The range will be a permanent addition to the DVF brand, so the classic wrap plus a couple of additional vintage revival shapes and prints will always be available. It's a great idea,
DVF knows how to dress proper (if rich) women and the wrap dress really does suit a whole host of shapes, surprisingly. I actually think it looks better on curvy women. I once interviewed Diane and before I was allowed to speak to her I had to read her book (so I 'understood' her, the eventual interview lasted 2 minutes and 37 seconds, I was taping it) where she points out that the wrap dress needs to be pulled really tight around the body to accentuate the curves, and although this sounds horrible, it does work.
But if the wrap sounds too difficult, try the tunic, worn over capri pants or jeans, might be a real winner for the summer.
Clockwise from top left, Jeanne purple silk wrap dress £290, Reina blue silk dress £255, Saihana red silk dress £379, Julian green silk tunic £290, all from the vintage collection Diane by Diane Von Furstenburg