Famous fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg is best known for introducing the knitted jersey "wrap dress" in 1973. An example of this popular dress is in the collection of the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, due to its significant influence on women's fashion. [1]
The Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress Today
These days the wrap dress has been updated to include the cotton wrap dress, the mock wrap dress, the kimono wrap dress, sleeveless wrap dresses (both short and long) and pretty chiffon wrap dresses. These flattering frocks come in casual looks, business styles and fabrics, and even fancy eveningwear in black lace. Variations on these include maternity wrap tops. A search on the glimpse website found 24 stores with 191 products matching "Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress."
While DvF continues to produce new styles of these flattering dresses, other designers are creating them too.
"...though von Furstenberg is still the undisputed reigning queen of the look, other designers have added their own personal touches and flair—Roberto Cavalli features animal prints, while Milly loves chiffon. To capture the look for day, throw on some chunky wedges and oversize shades. And for evening, try sexy sandals with a perfectly haute handbag," writes Tracey Anderson on Glam online.
Where to Find a Wrap Dress
Some of the shops that currently carry these lovely fashions are such fine online stores as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Motherhood Maternity, and French Corner Soho. Prices range hugely from a minimum of $83.90 for the Jilliana Wrap Top (at Saks) and the vintage-inspired Julian Wrap Dress on sale for $129.89 at Saks (online) to well over $300.
When searching the words "wrap dress," the highest price found at glimpse online was at Neiman Marcus and was a $1250.00 dress with the description "Heather gray. Wrapped detail. Bateau neckline. Pointed shoulder detail. Short sleeves. Natural waist. Straight skirt. Zip back. Virgin wool/nylon/Lycra spandex. Imported." Absolutely lovely, especially if cost is not a concern.
Of course, for the budget-minded, there are most likely knock-offs at discount and less fancy department stores. Another couple of good places to look are clothing consignment shops and thrift stores, both of which will carry deeply discounted goods.
Sewing Fabulous One-of-a-Kind Fashions
Sewing one's own dress is another option. In this way, the preferred exact colors and styles can be picked. The price will most likely be much lower, as well.
One pattern to consider is Kwik Sew pattern #3408 which makes a misses' sized fitted wrap dress with a waist seam, a slightly flared skirt, a V-neckline, bust darts, and self-fabric ties. Options include long or 3/4 length sleeves and a skirt length of either over the knee or above the knee. [2]
Other new patterns are available. For a vintage Diane von Furstenberg pattern, search eBay, yard sales, and thrift stores for her original sewing patterns made by Vogue Patterns.
Whether new, homemade, or vintage, this fabulous dress is a classic that every woman should have in her closet. Another article of interest may include Cool Fun Teen Fashion Trends for Summer 2009: Tie-Dye, Texture, Tank Tops, Hip Hoodies, and Sun Dresses are Hot.
Also see the website Yellow is THE Fashion Color Trend for 2009 - Watch Michelle Obama.
Resources
- "Diane Von Furstenberg: Wrap dress (1997.487)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (October 2006)
- PatternReview website
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
