Legendary Fashion Designer Diane von Furstenberg Visits VCUarts Qatar

Legendary fashion designer, author and activist Diane von Furstenberg, who created the iconic wrap dress, shared her insights with our students, faculty and guests at the Atrium on November 24, 2019.

The talk was moderated by VCUarts Qatar’s Chair of Fashion Design, Christopher Fink.

Von Furstenberg, who was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, was welcomed by Amir Berbić, the Dean of VCUarts Qatar, who said: “We are honored that she is here with us today to share her vitality, experience and wisdom, and we know our students will appreciate this great opportunity to meet her, learn from her, and be inspired by her.”

In the hour long talk with VCUarts guests in the University’s Atrium, Von Furstenberg spoke of her commitment to building on the strength of self as the most important element of success.  Her call to action is be “in charge” and encourages all people, with a special emphasis on women, to take control of their lives and be all that they can be.

“To be in charge is a commitment to ourselves, it is owning who we are – it is respecting and trusting our character knowing that it is forever the home and the core of our strength,” she advised.

The second half of her visit included a brief ‘critique’ in the Fashion Design Department where she met with faculty and students from VCUarts Qatar’s fashion design program and reviewed the work they were developing for the upcoming Fashion Trust Arabia Competition.

VCUarts Qatar regularly hosts talks and exhibitions by renowned local, regional and international artists, designers and academics throughout the academic year. Visitors to VCUarts Qatar have included designers and artists such as Valentino, Hassan Hajjaj, Richard Serra, Shirin Neshat, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Reza Abedini, Marina Abramović, Wissam Shawkat, Rami Al Ali, Naeem Khan, and Hector Ayuso.