Diane von Fürstenberg is an honory citizen of Brussels

Diane von Fürstenberg has received an honorary role as a citizen of Brussels. The Belgian-American fashion designer received this role by aiding the European capital’s international recognition beyond its multiple institutions through her world-famous clothing designs.

Diane von Fürstenberg is an international 71-year-old fashion who founded the titular Diane von Fürstenberg fashion house. Born and raised in Brussels, von Fürstenberg started her designing career in 1970s New York with her world-famous ‘robe portefeuille’. This simple yet elegant dress garnered enormous success due to its indiscriminate wearing capabilities amongst woman. The idea behind this dress symbolised the liberation that was underway in the woman’s movements of the 70s, and so Fürstenberg became seen as an icon of it.

Aside for her international clothing designs, Fürstenberg has been actively involved in charitable affairs since the millennium under her own foundation: ‘The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation’. Which she uses to support various causes like the Human Rights Foundation and the City Meals-on-Wheels. She also personally launched the DVF Awards to award women who demonstrated leadership and independence which inspired other women. On 30 March 2017, she received an honorary doctorate from the University of Antwerp for her outstanding achievements in the fields of fashion and entrepreneurship, along with an intense commitment to women’s rights and human rights in general. Fürstenberg also received the ‘lifetime achievement award’ from the Council of Fashion Designers of America for her achievements in the field, of which she later became chair.

The Diane von Furstenberg collection is a popular brand that spans across 55 countries and is worn by socialites such as Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Michelle Obama.