Dissecting 'It' – The DvF Wrap Dress

By brittneecann in Dissecting It
on April 19, 2011

Our latest installment of the ever-popular "Dissecting It" series takes a closer look at Diane von Furstenberg's iconic wrap dress – it's got all the right moves.

No doubt about it, Diane Von Furstenberg’s wrap dress has become an icon of American sportswear. After all, only the most prestigious and truly innovative design pieces make it into the permanent fashion collection on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and DVF’s wrap dress is one of those pieces. It’s truly the one and only dress that never quits.

The wrap dress launched Diane Von Furstenberg into fashion fame shortly after she made it. In March of 1976 she was featured in Newsweek magazine and appeared on the cover wearing one of her dresses in a green and white pattern with the ionic waist tie in the front. When the promotional campaign for the wrap dress came out it read, “feel like a woman, wear a dress” which was a perfect slogan for something that embraced the shape of the wearer, accenting the body in all the right places.

In a 2008 interview, Diane was asked why she thought her wrap dress had become such a staple of women’s fashion to which she replied, “You just hit on something that happens to be timeless and right.” Timeless is a good way to describe a dress that has no buttons or zippers and goes on like a robe or a kimono. Without any fancy embellishment or trendy cuts, the wrap dress has all of the right qualities that allow it to withstand the test of time.

It Item: Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress

Price: $300-$600

Where to Buy: Diane Von Furstenberg stores and online, and premium retail chains including Saks, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.

The Dissection: DVF’s classic wrap dress was first designed as a modest knee length frock with long sleeves and a deep v-neck created by the wrap closure in the front of the waist. Today, with each new season the design of the dress is always being tweaked just a bit. It now comes in varying lengths from mini to maxi and in a whole bevy of different textiles including jersey, silk and cotton, which is why the price can fluctuate by a few hundred dollars. A 100% silk blend version will run you closer to $600 whereas the 100% silk jersey falls on the $300 side of the spectrum. The dress is usually printed (DVF makes most of her own prints, drawing inspiration from nature) but occasionally comes in a classic solid color.

The Downfall: Are there any downfalls to looking like a chic and true woman? We think not. And at such an affordable price point there is nothing not to like about it.

Verdict: A million times yes. This is a dress that can truly be worn by a woman of any age. It’s young yet sophisticated and the perfect clean palette for playing around with accessories so it can be styled in an infinite number of ways. A simple and versatile dress is something every woman needs in her closet.

What are your feelings on the wrap dress? Is it a true design classic or a bit too simple for your taste?

http://www.dvf.com/dvf/browse/subcategory.jsp?trail=&viewAll=true&categoryId=cat200004&featureId=...

4 Comments

Emily Kropp • about 1 year ago
Love this feature! I have never tried one of these on, I'm a bit embarrassed to say... but I love the versatility of this dress and those red carpet looks are so stunning! I'd like to get a maxi dress and a mini dress. Definitely on my summer wishlist!
brittneecann • about 1 year ago
totes mcgotes
BleuRuen • about 1 year ago
DVF is amazing, when in doubt her dresses are my go to! So flattering on most body shapes & screams "womanhood".
HilaryWeissman • about 1 month ago
Love Kate Hudson's...the wrap dress flatters every shape!