Coco Rochas at the DvF Journey of a Dress Exhibit
Last week, Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dress retrospective, Journey of a Dress, made its stateside debut in Los Angeles at the historic Wilshire May Company Building. In attendance were a slew of von Furstenberg’s industry pals, including designers such as Rachel Roy, mega stylists Rachel Zoe and George Kotsiopoulos and bevy of her celebrity gal pals, including Gwyneth Paltrow. Why so much fuss about a dress? Forty years ago, the humble wrap dress debuted and released women from girdles and the glum task of having to stop at home to change into something comfortable if they had plans after a day at work. In short, the wrap dress revolutionized the wardrobe of working women everywhere — and that’s reason enough for a celebration. Journey of a Dress will be around through April 1, giving you plenty of time to take in the retrospective and learn about the dress’ — and Diane’s — storied history.
In the mean time, if you’ve been looking to get under wraps yourself, don’t fret. We’ve got everything you need to channel Coco Rocha, who was in attendance at the event and cohosted the night’s festivities with Bravo’s Andy Cohen, from head to toe. For more information on the exhibit and to pick up a wrap dress of your own, visit the official Diane von Furstenberg website to explore the history, heritage and future of this iconic dress.
Diane von Furstenberg New Julian 2 Silk Wrap Dress
Coco’s own dress is from DvF’s Fall/Winter collection, so if you’re in the mood to don scarlet leopard spots, you’ll have to scour DvF’s shops and department stores to score it — you’ll be handsomely rewarded with a discount if you can, however. The updated pattern features actual animals in lieu of animal print, which is just as versatile and no less show stopping. The Julian 2 Silk Wrap Dress ($365) is a classic DvF silhouette: wraparound cut, deep V, long sleeves and clean, collar-free bodice. Any working girl can attest to its versatility. Wear it to work with a cami under if you’re heading somewhere conservative, wear it all alone if you’re heading out for a drink. It’ll never look out of place, which is one of the dress’ most enduring qualities, and you’ll always feel feminine and put together.
Available at Nordstrom.
Journey of a Dress
1. A wrap dress and a blazer — two classics that prove that clothes can definitely go from work to play. The DvF dress we picked would look great with this brightly colored, borrowed-from-the-boys blazer, which looks just as good at a cocktail lounge as it does in a conference room. Push up the sleeves for a casual look or wear it buttoned if you mean business. The Tinley Road Bleecker Blazer ($89) is perfect for dressing up or down. Just try to find something it won’t go with.
2. DvF’s wrap dresses are known for more than just versatility and comfort. She’s printed them with everything from her own initials and signature to animal print and lace. The J. Crew Etched Enamel Bangle ($39.50) and Mini Etched Enamel Bangle ($35) mirror a few of DvF’s classic geometric prints and look great alone or stacked together.
3. Coco paired her leopard print wrap with a pair of black peep-toe platforms, and we love the look. Slip into the Sole Society by Julianne Hough Tamia Leather Sandal ($74.95) to get a similar look. The wooden heel is a quirky detail that’ll give your outfit a little more interest and the basic black details make it something you can wear anywhere, just like DvF’s wrap dress.
4. And to finish off her look, Coco Rocha carried a chic fold-over clutch. We love the casual shape of these slouchy clutches, which keeps them from getting too precious and proper. Banana Republic’s Flavia Foldover Clutch ($79.50) adds a little more detail with a faux-stingray finish but keeps the cool, downtown look of a zippered pouch. It’s even lined in a leopard print, which makes it easy to spot your lip gloss no matter how much you tote in your clutch.
Images courtesy Diane von Furstenberg, Nordstrom, Piperlime, Banana Republic and J. Crew
