David Yeagley is the great-great-grandson of Comanche leader Bad Eagle. 
Diane Von Furstenberg is a unique kind of warrior. She has achieved great success in the world, but her focus remains on the personal, psychological success of every woman.
Is Diane a feminist, then? Is she a profound liberal? Again, she is unique, and therefore, one cannot assess her life and work in conventional ways. She has been associated with grand dames of feminism, but, that image does not dominate her public image at all.
First of all, she was never supposed to be born into the world. Her mother, Liliane Nahmias, was a Holocaust survivor, and greatly affected by physical suffering. Liliane was told that she could never have a child. Yet, she bore Diane Simone Michelle Halfin into the world on December 31, 1946.
Diane married German royalty in 1969, Egon von Furstenberg, and immediately decided she must earn her own identity. “I wanted to be someone of my own, and not just a plain little girl who got married beyond her desserts,” she recalled. Diane was a model herself, and became a world famous fashion designer. She went from dress design, to perfume, to accessories, to interior design. (I expected politics as the next logical step, but, Diane has never volunteered any formal association.)
At this point, Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) has the most spectacular web site on the internet. It is an exciting adventure, to be sure. There is a special “time line” on which one can view her career and accomplishements, beginning in 1971. The 1976 point displays that famous Newsweek cover of Diane and her famous “wrap dress.” She is the author of several books, Book of Beauty (1979); a triology of rituals known as The Bed (1991), The Bath (1993), and The Table (1996), and A Signature Life (1998). One of the captivating things about the site is its alluring simplicity. It is actually very complex, and contains infinitely more than appears on the surface.
Diane Von Furstenberg, the seasoned philosopher, at the
Women’s Forum Global Meeting, 2009.
Diane is an international philanthropist, to be sure. And, it is pure philanthropy, not political. This is what we mean by “quiet warrior.” There is a fundamental feeling she has for uplifting people that is quite apart from the political process. Her idea of social reform seems to have its foundation in the idea that the woman should value herself. It is almost as if to say, the secret of the world’s well being is in the woman’s attitude about herself. Diane may associate with various “liberal” causes in the world, but, there’s something merely utile about that. Her real gift to the world is that special focus on the woman’s attitude about being a woman. Causes of the world are only avenues of expression.
In 2009, Diane gave a speech at an event called SEVEN, at the Women’s Forum Global Meeting. It was sponsored by Vital Voices. In this speech, she declares that all women, every woman is strong.
“I have yet to meet a woman who is not strong. They don’t exist. Everyone woman is strong. Sometimes they don’t show it, because of where they live, because of a father, a brother, a husband, or because of circumstances. But when things get bad, all of a sudden, the strength comes out.”
Diane went on to say that women must be confident. Through fashion itself, Diane purposed to inspire confidence. The whole fashion career was only a tool–through which she might share confidence with other women. She would create clothes that would
make women feel confident and beautiful.
When a woman is confident, she is beautiful.
This is the Von Furstenberg philosophy in a word. This is the attitude on which civilization is built. This is the earthly mortar.
But, let’s say it so a man can understand it. A woman wants to be beautiful. A woman wants to be desired. That’s all. She wants a man to be enthralled with her. She wants to be loved.
It is ironic that, women who wield the most power to attract are often the most removed from real love. They are isolated by the expanse of their draw. The more men who are enslaved by their singular beauty, the less confidence they have in any individual man’s sincerety. This is an agonal irony, but a price to be paid for publicized sexual appeal.
Of course, fashion is for all, so this predicament is unavoidable. The final decision for true love is based in fact not on the strerngth of the attraction, but on the “confidence” in sincerety. That sincerety is something that has to be demonstrated over time. And it’s more than a convincing record of performance. There is a certain feeling that dominates. Even when circumstances have crumbled the ediface, and what’s left stands on moral principle alone, the feeling yet lives in the ruins. The pillars of memory and experience stand forever.
Personally, a woman simply navigates the contest of desire. In the case of Diane Von Furstenberg, we have a woman of original and classic beauty, but one who always managed it with an objectivity and purpose–a purpose of compassion. This is far beyond feminism, or any political attempts at improving anything. This is philosophy–in action. Diane is Jewish, don’t forget. That transcendence is uniquely manifested in her use of fashion design. The idea is to be confident, independent, and thus free.
Yes, most people see fashion as a loud, fast lane, noisey whirlwind of dizzying egotism, but, in the hands of Diane, it is a humanitarian opportunity. She has made it something it never was before. Diane transformed fashion into something functional, beyond entertainment. For Diane, fashion is a ‘teachable moment.” Fashion is virtually didactice. She is a pedagogue of female performance.
This is a little esoteric for men, but, it is important to know that women have a voice within their own issues that presents them with perhaps the most innocuous, salubrious solution to their natural frustrations. Where Diane Von Furstenberg fits into social modernity is the place she made for herself–but that place is open to any woman who may benefit from it. She did it for them, as well as herself. If there is “liberalism” in Diane Von Furstenberg, is it a transcendent order, and would never bother with the writhing of political process.
A quiet warrior, that is Diane von Furstenberg. A world conqueror, but, one whose personality remains as simple, confident, and sweet as a newborn lamb. Arrogance is absent. This is evident in her immediate personality, should you have the pleasure of meeting her. Beyond the dazzle, beyond the captivation, Diane is a simple, caring woman, who cares particularly for women who struggle to understand themselves, who don’t quite think well enough of themselves.
And, I’d say, any woman who can make something like fashion into a functional tool in social reform has to be one strong woman. Any woman who can turn female confidence into world philanthropy has to be Jewish! In the hands of a sincere Jew, anything can be made into an instrument of uplifting. In Diane’s philosophy, every woman is destined for fellowship with the zaddokim. And she can wear a dress while she’s at it. (Move over, Yentl!)
Diane Von Furstenburg, 1972.
17 responses so far ↓
1 Pamela K. // Jun 8, 2010 at 11:12 am
Diane represents a different era, that of the classic beauty. Women like her are not only beautiful to look at, they seem to have an innate grace and elegance that is sorely lacking in today’s society. I can’t explain it exactly, but when I think of Diane, I am reminded of women like Princess Grace of Monaco, Jacqueline Kennedy, Sophia Loren, Jihan Sadat, Audrey Hepburn; women who were highly successful both professionally and personally in a time when it clearly still a man’s world, yet never lost touch with or sacrificed their femininity. They reveled in being a woman. They were and still are an inspiration to other women, including myself!
2 Pamela K. // Jun 8, 2010 at 12:40 pm
I believe you mentioned the book, “She Captains” in your last post. My personal favorite she was the Bald Granuaile, otherwise known as Grace O”Malley. Talk about a woman warrior! I think I might be related to her. (Just kidding!)
3 David Yeagley // Jun 8, 2010 at 1:35 pm
I guess, underneath all this, it is my own mother whom I admire most–yet, I understand least. Today is her birthday, June 8, 1922. This is her month.
I’m always looking for greatness in women. This is probably because I think my mother was very great. These things are all relative, of course. It’s a feeling, a sense.
I consider my father unspeakably great, but, that’s a different story.
There are many unspoken heroes out there. Many great people. The Lord knows every one.
4 Pamela K. // Jun 8, 2010 at 2:07 pm
It seems to me that boys are always influenced more by their mother and girls by their father. I know from my own family how important it is to have both parents in your life, however, this is not always the case. When I was a little girl my father was always working, sometimes far into the night in order to support us all. There was six of us children. My mother was home with us but since my parents owned their own trucking business, she was always working to balance the books, etc. as well as cooking and cleaning and taking care of all us kids! I know we drove her crazy at times! However, they were both there in the home and that made a big difference in my life. It seems when a girl grows up without the influence of a strong father figure she is more apt to make poor choices in life, especially in regards to men. I’ve seen women I know who grew up without their fathers around and later on become virtual doormats for the men they marry or live with and the sad part is that they feel the man’s behavior is normal instead of seeing it as abusive. Or, they become victims of men of a certain ethnic persuasion who see them as a conquest and these girls end up becoming pregnant and then abandoned by these immature men who move on to their next victim.
5 David Yeagley // Jun 8, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Very deep matters, here. And, too, a parent never really knows how the child will turn out. The same kids, from the same nest, can react very differently to the same parents. They can be affected differently. Well, each child is quit the different person!
I know, personally, I feel as though I am completely programmed. My thoughts, thought patterns, I mean, are my mother’s and my father’s. Nothing else. I can’t make them be anything else. I wrote a poem about it once, in an “Indian” collection.
Two Voices I Hear.
I see the world through the eyes of my father and mother. I am them. No one else. I’m not me. There is no me.
I am also many friends. Many suns and moons as well.
6 David Yeagley // Jun 8, 2010 at 6:32 pm
I have a lot to say about how the eyes of Diane affected me personally, but, that’s for a different blog, maybe.
Here is a picture of the ad (in the New York Times Magazine) I saw in 1981, that forever touched me.
You know, like, right here:
Mine is an artistic world. These things happen. Perhaps I should be ashamed or embarrassed. But, no, I treasure certain things. A man should never have to explain why he loves what he loves. No?
7 colleague graduate // Jun 8, 2010 at 7:21 pm
I personally don’t care for her eyes. They do not hypnotize me. The reason I do not care for them is the mascara. I personally cannot stand women wearing it. They impart an image of a raccoon with it’s black mask, out in the woods at night. Or they look like the ancient Egyptians, either sex, using black mascara to transform their eyes into something known only to their personal standard of beauty, how they want to look in the mirror, but not how they want to be accepted by anyone else. It’s a selfish habit to clamor for the eye makeup and lipstick. The more they put on, the more they look like clowns in the circus, Bozo lezbos. What’s so wrong with their raw flesh? Are they ashamed of it as sinful? Do they believe that the the flesh is weak, but the spirit is willing? Guys don’t wear makeup(unless they’re face-painted indians). If, as the New Testament says, the head of the woman is the man’s, the head of the man is Christ’s, and the head of Christ is God’s, Christ never wore makeup. His facial hair was for a covering, thus his beard, as opposed to makeup. The Bible says in the New testament that your hair is for a covering. That means any hair. So a guy can cover his flesh with as much hair as he desires, and he should do this if he can. When you cover your flesh with natural hair, you become a spirit since the spirit is willing and the flesh is weak. You covered the weak flesh, sinful look. Women wear man-made and therefore sin-made, unnatural makeup to try to be like the man’s head, and it is an exercise in futility for them, an exercise in original sin they try to hide by their makeup egos which are actually their id, sinful animalistic desires to look like raccoons. Females in the raw can be seen for how they are made for a male suitor who needs to look at them and decide if they are for him or not. No, I don’t particularly care for Diane’s eyes. I would not care for a Jewish woman’s eyes ever since I’m a Christian. I don’t mind conversing with them here in an intellectual forum, though. I’m not saying they’re ugly, I’m saying I’m a different religion than them, and finding them desirable to look at is taboo for Christians.
8 Pamela K. // Jun 8, 2010 at 8:00 pm
You are your father and you are your mother but you are also you, David, unique! Diane’s eyes are indeed beautiful. The eyes are the mirror of the soul.
Personally, CG, I’m sure glad Christ never wore make up! As for finding Jews desirable to look at, I certainly cannot agree with you there. Without the Jews, there would not be any Christians!
“And you Bethlehem , in the land of Judah, you are not in any way least or insignificant among the chief cities of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler Who will govern and shepherd My people Israel.” Matthew 2:6
9 David Yeagley // Jun 8, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Cg, getting technical there, but also, historically accurate! Egyptians we know were deeply into cosmetics, and indeed, the man started it.
My theory is, cosmetics are related to spiritism, or animism. The masque. It was to frighten away the evil spirit. We’re talking serious animism here. Horror. Fear.
Somehow, it translated into looks for looks sake. Then one more step, and it is sexual attraction. (Aye! Chijuajua!)
Women don’t use it to frighten, of course, but to enhance natural lines and colors.
There are Christian denominations that don’t believe in wearing cosmetics, like the Nazarenes, and the Adventists. However, times change. Things loosen up a bit. And, hey, I was still a young man back in those days!
Things come to have different function and meaning, over time. Can’t always go by what something used to mean. Though, wrong is always wrong.
10 Pamela K. // Jun 8, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Orthodox Jewish women forego make up and other adornments. And they always wear a hat or head covering. As far as cosmetics go, I feel as women get older, less is definitely more! Moisture is the key to healthy skin. I am sure weve all seen those women in their late 60′s and early 70′s determine to hang onto a semblance of their youth with an overkill of make-up and spandex. (usually the spandex is a color like hot pink or electric blue). It’s no worse than their younger counterparts who pierce their eyebrows or nose or lips or may be all three and who prance around the local Wal-Mart in ill-fitting low-rider jeans, absolutely oblivious, it seems, to an overhang of belly fat and ample butt crack. I know this is suppose to be in style but I think it’s disgusting. I believe women are suppose to glory in their femininity, not gross people out.
11 colleague graduate // Jun 9, 2010 at 6:10 am
Pamela K.- “if it weren’t for the Jews, there would be no Christians”. Yeah I know there’s a connection, and that Christians are a splinter group from Jews. But there is no connection with the makeup thing and hat thing. Some Jew females might not wear makeup, but they can’t get away from not wearing their hair for a covering. They wont identify with Jesus. And the females these days with all the metal piercing them- the Bible says do not cut yourself. They sin by getting pierced for bellybutton rings, tongue rings, etc. I can just imagine what would happen if they snag one of those rings on something. That’s why Jesus did not want anyone to move around with hooks and rings all pierced through their skin. It’s dangerous. And for a guy, the long hair is very dangerous, even if it resembles Jesus. I have an outside air conditioner unit right out my back door to my deck, and it’s about waist high. I can just imagine getting a pony tail I used to wear caught in the fan blades. That’s why I had mine cut off at the barber shop. And my beard, it’s not long, and I will have to keep it from getting too long. But these females of today- how can they eat food with a ring through their tongue? If they take it out to eat, they cop out. Jesus said to walk as in the day, and show people that there are no boils on your skin that would indicate you had been sinning. You got to display your sinless, uninflamed flesh if possible, and a beard is ok to use as a face covering. I don’t feel connected to Jews other than by history, but nothing applicable now. Ann Graham Lott, Billy Graham’s daughter, once said on tv that Jews would want to sacrifice a goat in a synagogue, but Christians would use the crucifixion as the sacrifice, and save a goat’s life for people who might like to eat goat cheese or drink goat milk. I’ve never tried either. I was raised on cow milk and cheese, and see no need to try goat products.
12 David Yeagley // Jun 9, 2010 at 6:19 am
Attention. It’s all about captivating attention. In ultra Islam, of course, the women is not to attract any attention to herself. That’s the whole point of the covering.
In the West, a woman is allowed to beautiful. And in Biblical times, it was true also. There were some known beautiful women: Sarah, Rebekah, and especially the daughters of Job, that second set. They weren’t wearing veils.
Outward beauty, of course, is not the first priority in Biblical standards, but, it does exist. There is a hierarchy. Some women are simply more attractive than others. Or so we gather.
Whether the woman has the option of making herself more attractive is perhaps the real issue, if there is one.
13 colleague graduate // Jun 9, 2010 at 6:26 am
David, the makeup for masks in ceremony- I realize Indians were it. They, in my opinion, would be exempt from being accused of sin when they don’t rely on facial hair for a covering only. The pageantry when ya’ll dress up in full headdresses with the war paint is really artistic. Like I’ve said here in the past, Indians are the most artistic of anyone in the world for fashion. And these Christian women who don’t wear makeup- they have the right idea. Remember the hippie females? They would not have been caught dead wearing makeup. In a way, they respected Christ the most, although I’m sure they did not attend church. Now I know my loved ones female relatives all wear makeup, but I still am against it. I don’t even think perfume is ok, because it probably was not worn in Jesus’s time. One thing we have now that I’m sure Christians from back then would be proud of us for creating is deodorant. I can’t imagine how they made it back then without it. Life expectancy wasn’t very long back then. Like I said, life’s so brutal at times, even now. Wouldn’t it be great if here was the Garden of Eden before sin! Sin makes it brutal.
14 colleague graduate // Jun 9, 2010 at 6:28 am
“I realize Indians WORE it, not were it”. I don’t know how were came out, but e and o are not anywhere close to each other on a keyboard, so how an e was where an o should have been is beyond me.
15 colleague graduate // Jun 9, 2010 at 6:32 am
Actually, I’ve never seen an Indian with facial hair. And David, I’ve seen some Indian guys who have shorter hair than you. You better watch out for machinery unless you get a haircut. I wore mine almost to my waist once, and had to put it up in a ponytail to manage it. But I could not take the chance of getting scalped by fan blades.
16 David Yeagley // Jun 9, 2010 at 6:58 am
Full bloods generally don’t have body hair. Indians are like Orientals. (I personally accept the Mongolian descent theory, for other reasons as well.)
War paint is most definitely for intimidation, or superstition in some cases. There was an article on women’s make-up in some magaine a while back. I have the article in my files. It was called “War Paint.” It was about how women use make-up for power. Impression. Authority. Whatever. It wasn’t just for sexual attraction. Interesting take.
17 Pamela K. // Jun 9, 2010 at 9:22 am
I was under the impression that Indians came across the Bering Straight from Siberia and points north, but I can see them descending from the Mongols too. By the way, I believe you mentioned the Berber people in one of your last blogs. Berbers were not Arabs. I found a very interesting book called, “Meet North Africa” which was published in 1957 (when political correctness was still an alien concept in America). The author of the book, a man named John Gunther, had traveled extensively throughout Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, and Morocco and he says the word, ” Berber” comes from the old Latin word,” barberi” or “foreigner” the same word that gives us the word, “barbarian”. The author further relates that the Berber people came from southern Europe and some of them were very fair with blue eyes and blonde hair. They called themselves, “Imazighen” which means, “free men.” The Arabs later conquered the Berbers as well as the rest of North Africa suppressing the people and the lands under the banner of Allah. Sound familiar? One of the most notorious of the Arab conquerors was a man named SIdi Okba, who used to mutiliate the bodies of those he captured before killing them. Fortunately, the Berbers were a tenacious lot and fought hard and managed to eventually kill Sidi Okba. Unfortunately, there were many more Arabs than Berbers and so they were eventually beaten down and conquered. The Arab Muslims were big in the slave trade- they had a preference for white Christian slaves- and, along with their Turkish conspirators, were active in the once thriving piracy trade along the North African coast. We know them better as the Barbary Coast pirates. i thought you might appreciate this information so I’m passing it on to you.
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