"Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge" Documentary Bursts onto the Silver Screen in July
by Joan Berkman
St Louis Country Library (SLCL) and Saint Louis Fashion Fund will host a ticketed reception and screening of "Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge" on Tuesday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Post Event Space at the Clark Family Branch, located at 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. The event is part of SLCL’s opening celebration festivities which kicked off on June 1. Tickets for the event are available to purchase through Eventbrite, starting on Thursday, June 27. St. Louis is one of six screenings of the documentary in the U.S. The film has premiered internationally in Brussels, London and Paris. The evening kicks off with a red-carpet cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the screening at 7:00 p.m.
“Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on June 5 and premiered worldwide on Hulu and Disney+ on June 25. The 98-minute documentary is an intimate view of the creator of the wrap dress, child of a Holocaust survivor, Princess by marriage and founder of a fashion empire. The film features interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Marc Jacobs, Hillary Rodham Clinton and others and promises a look at the designer as you've never seen her before.
The legendary designer, philanthropist, cultural luminary and champion of women spoke in St. Louis in October 2022 as part of the Fashion Fund's "Speaking of Fashion" series in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis. Ms. von Furstenberg first visited St. Louis back in the 1970s making an appearance at Stix, Baer & Fuller (now Dillard's) promoting her iconic wrap dress.
"When Diane recently traveled back to St Louis with the documentary film crew in town, I just knew we had to bring a special screening to St. Louis," said Susan Sherman, Chair, of Saint Louis Fashion Fund. "Any film about this incredible woman is not to be missed, and what fun to share it with our community of fashion friends."
Coincidentally, St. Louis County Library Director & CEO Kristen Sorth reached out to Sherman and the Fashion Fund about a possible collaboration to tie in with the Library's opening. Sherman knew right away what it should be - the DVF documentary. Sorth said: "We are excited to partner with the Fashion Fund for the first time for this unique event. The film is a perfect opportunity to celebrate fashion and one of its most visible icons in our beautiful new event space at the stylish new Clark Family Branch. This film is premiering at only a handful of film festivals worldwide and we are so thrilled to be included."
St. Louis County Library Clark newly-opened Family Branch.
Post Plaza and Event Space at Clark Family Branch.
The cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. and screening at 7:30 p.m. are open to the public. Seating is limited. Guests are encouraged to "Wear DVF" or something with color or pattern, like many of her iconic wrap dresses. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased through Eventbrite.