Diane von Furstenberg Honored with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal
She may have been born in Brussels, Belgium, but when one thinks of the queen of New York fashion, Diane von Furstenberg is the only name that comes to mind.
The iconic designer and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America was honored by the Municipal Art Society of New York Thursday evening with the 2011 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis medal for her outstanding contribution to New York.
“I met Diane many, many, many years ago,” reminisced Norma Kamali, who joined fellow fashion figures like Oscar de la Renta, Nicole Miller, Philip Crangi, Paper magazine’s Kim Hastreiter, and Terence Koh in celebrating von Furstenberg. “I always thought that her spirit and her honesty and her candor were so refreshing, always. That’s very beautiful in a woman, and that’s really the power of who she is.”
Von Furstenberg’s contribution to New York, according to the Municipal Art Society, is the transformation of the Meatpacking District, where the designer’s home, studio, and flagship store stand.
“A debt of thanks to her!” said Crangi, who both lives in the neighborhood and operates his jewelry store at Ninth Ave. and Little West 12th St. “I’m trying to get her to come and visit me at the store! I usually have to go over there.”
Both Kamali and Crangi joined the CFDA board this year and work closely with von Furstenberg. “She really deserves this because she’s done so much for our industry,” said Kamali. “We’re global now—we’re an international force because of her.”