Diane Von Furstenberg Was All About Miami in the 70s

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Last week, Diane Von Furstenberg took a break from all things Basel to visit the newly reopened Books & Books at Bal Harbour Shops and sign copies of her autobiographical book, The Woman I Wanted to Be. In the book, which was published in late October, Von Furstenberg chronicles her life and personality for readers, and also provides an inside look at the business of fashion and her success forty years after the launch of her legendary wrap dress. One theme rings true throughout most of her book – despite her huge successes, the most important things to her are life, love and curiosity. — Stephanie Parra

What person, moment, or event made you realize that fashion is what you wanted to be involved in for the rest of your life?
Well, it just so happened that fashion happened to be my door to be independent, and when you read my book you'll hear my story.

What message are you hoping readers take from your book after reading it?
That's not up to me…I think everybody takes from experience from everybody else and that's not for me to say.

What did you pack for your travels to Miami?
You know, basics and DVF wrap dresses.

What has been your most memorable moment in this city?
Probably when I came in the '70s for the first time…it was Miami Beach, it was le Fontainebleau, all art deco…

What's your favorite place to shop in Miami?
Art Basel.

Describe Miami in one word.
Booming.

How do you hope your show on E! will influence your fashion brand, and why did you select E! as the network to carry your show?
I just thought it was a good way for me to speak to young girls in that genre of television and show that empowering them is important and also pass on some empowering messages and still be fun and informative.

· Books & Books to Take Over New Historical Digs at Arsht Center [Racked Miami]
· One on Ones [Racked Miami]