Alexandra von Furstenberg is All About Color
When your last name is von Furstenberg, the obvious career choice is design. So furniture designer Alexandra von Furstenberg, former daughter-in-law of celebrated designer Diane von Furstenberg, took notes and got to work.
After attending Parsons School of Design and Brown University, studying costume design and art history, Alexandra joined to DVF team in 1995, first as creative director and then Director of Image. Her decade-long tenure there came to an end in 2005, when she had her sights set on a business venture of her own. Two years later, Alexandra von Furstenberg’s namesake furniture brand was born.
With every successful label comes a signature look—you can’t think of DVF without thinking of its iconic wrap dress—and von Furstenberg’s is all about acrylic. The brand offers both furniture and home accents made exclusively from the material and complete with pops of color. Geometric desks edged in pink; multi-colored coffee tables; vases, trays and candle holders galore - there isn’t anything the designer won’t dip her toes into to create.
We recently caught up with von Furstenberg, where she shared her thoughts on design, from her inspiration to her upcoming work. Read on to get the scoop.
Color is something you’re certainly not afraid of. What, in your opinion, does a pop of color add to a space?
Color brings depth and life into a space, in my opinion. When one starts out with a space, for the most part, it’s usually in a neutral base. Then, when you add pops of color to that space, you are adding a little zest, some confidence and personal attention to the details chosen. Those pops of color in that room will be what stands out most in the end.
When it comes to design, where does your inspiration process begin?
My inspiration process usually comes to me when I least expect it. You see, I draw my inspirations from almost anything that captures my eye. It can come from a beautiful piece of driftwood I see while I’m walking on the beach, the grill on a vintage car, the shape of a mechanical tool or the facets on a gemstone.
You’re currently in the process of working on a new product launch for the summer. Any details you can give to us?
Yes, indeed - I am always working on new products. I’m presently working on some new shapes for the furniture line and some new prints for some of the home accessories.
Before launching your namesake brand, you spent a long time working in the fashion industry. What skills did you learn during that time that you took with you when launching AVF?
The best part of what I learned from being in the fashion industry is it toughens you up - it’s no joke. The fashion industry is competitive and fast. There is no time for the weak and one is always on to the next collection. The furniture and home worlds move at a different pace. Much more peaceful, but it’s important to always remain innovative and ahead of the trends in order to stand out from the rest of the pack.
You’ve been in LA for quite some time now. How does LA inspire your brand image? Your designs?
LA is a huge part of my brand and identity. The light and space in Southern California play a huge role in what I create. I am inspired here. There is a freedom in my use of colors and shapes that I don’t think I would have achieved living anywhere else but here.
Where do you see AVF in 20 years from now?
20 years is a long time. I hope to possibly expand into other areas of the home market—maybe a great partnership or licensing deal to widen the home arena.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
