The Woman I Wanted to Be: Memoirs of Diana von Furstenberg

“The Woman I Wanted to Be” is a memoir by American designer Diana von Furstenberg, written at the age of 67. In it, one of the most influential women in the fashion world shares her journey and understanding of herself as a woman, as well as the paths, events, and people who helped her along the way. Diana von Furstenberg recounts the story of her strong mother, who survived the horrors of concentration camps and taught her the freedom and independence she needed to survive herself as a girl. She recalls her marriage to an Austrian prince, in which, despite love and privilege, she realized that she wanted to be “one of those self-sufficient women who do not rely on another person to pay the bills.” She reveals details about the creation of the global brand DVF and the legendary wrap dress, pondering why it became a symbol of independence for herself and an entire generation of women. She talks about oncology, which helped her rediscover herself and understand that the closest person to each of us is ourselves, those who truly feel when we are scared and lonely. She explains why she has devoted herself to the fight for the rights and opportunities of other women, addressing her readers: “I want each of you to know that you can be the woman you want to be.”