The first time I met Diane Von Furstenberg I was completely unprepared. My production company, The Coalition Group, was hired to do event coverage at the Fern Mallis Fashion Icon Series honoring DVF, however, we were not given any details whatsoever and I had no idea I’d actually get to sit down with the designer for an interview. When I walked into her green room, I spotted her sitting by the far wall in one of her infamous wrap dresses, tall boots, hair wild and full, and minimal makeup. She stood up slowly from her chair, eyes fixated on me, and slowly made her way across the room. Her gait made it obvious that she had spent earlier years as royalty and her locked gaze made me immediately self conscious. Was my dress ok? My hair too coifed? Too much makeup?

Her first words to me, “Can we sit for this?” Well of course…whatever the queen wants, the queen gets. Never have I spoken to anyone more comfortable and confident in their own skin. Seeing her in action yesterday at the exhibit as she prepped for last night’s event and interview with W Magazine’s editor-in-chief Stefano Tonchi, was equally impressive. She had every detail in check and her crew swarming around her like little worker bees rearranging everything from the front desk to the DVF printed Fiat’s parked out front. Although she is demanding, why shouldn’t she be? She embodies an attitude that would be considered abrasive, bossy, and forthright for a woman, but this makes all the difference. Without these traits, without an unwavering understanding of exactly what she wants and how to accomplish it, she would not be perched atop her DVF empire, a brand that is renowned for remaining constantly fresh and innovative over the course of the last four decades.

When I got to my final question in my initial interview, “what are your greatest inspirations?” she replied simply, “women.” Thank you Diane, for seeing us as empowering, inspirational creatures and for continuing to encourage us to embrace and celebrate our femininity  through your wrap dresses and countless other classic designs.

“I didn’t always know what I wanted to do, but I knew the kind of woman I wanted to become.” – Diane Von Furstenberg

What I’m wearing: TopShop suit, Alice + Olivia silk halter bodysuit, DVF cross body bag, Steve Madden nude pumps, Bar111 earrings, Rachel Zoe bangle, Rebecca Minkoff ring, other jewelry by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany’s, sunnies are Yves Saint Laurent.