DVF takes China

Let us revisit January 2010. While many of us were planning to raise our GPA's, drunk text a tad bit less and/or keep our thighs in manageable condition, Diane Von Fursternberg's New Year's resolution was to make a name for herself in the world's fastest-growing market for fashion and luxury goods. Lofty goal, no? Enter China, which according to a recent New York Times article, can be described as "a nation where the Cult of Mao is quickly being supplanted by that of Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Armani." Well, thank God for that. With its fashion capital of Shanghai and the cultural metropolis of Beijing, why wouldn't DVF want to add a few push-pins on the map and increase her number of global boutiques past the current three dozen?

During a recent meeting in Beijing, everyone's favorite wrap-dress designer, along with her team of associates, prepared the Chinese for a future display quite appropriately titled, "Journey of a Dress". As expected, the retrospective presents DVF's career, from the birth of her iconic signature design in the 1970's to the namesake fashion empire she's responsible for today. Getting China excited for a glitzy "Red Ball", Ms. Von Furstenberg is employing the help of one of her bffl's, Hong Huang, otherwise known as China's Oprah. No. Big. Deal. If business school has taught me anything, it's nice to have friends in high places, but it's even better to be a regular part of that network. I'm all for mutually beneficial strategic alliances, especially in this holiday season of giving (aww).

Following Anna Wintour's first exploration into the Middle Kingdom (which took place only a few weeks ago), DVF has even contemplated learning Mandarin... and we know as long as she doesn't take lessons for Moran, she'll be just fine. Continuously taking advantage of business opportunities from the beginning of her career until now, props to you, Ms. Von Furstenberg, for always challenging yourself and your brand, especially with this new mission to cater to the most intimidating market in the world. Needless to say, I'm very excited to see how this one turns out.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.