Renowned fashion designer and entrepreneur, Diane von Furstenberg, recently brought the DVF Awards to Paris, marking the first time the event has been held in the city. In collaboration with the Women’s Forum, von Furstenberg created the awards to celebrate feminism and recognize the challenges faced by women, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
During the event, von Furstenberg highlighted the detrimental impact of the pandemic on women’s progress, stating that it has set women back by 35 years. The global crisis has forced many women to leave the workforce and return to their homes, resulting in a significant setback that needs to be addressed.
To emphasize her connection to the cause, von Furstenberg shared a personal anecdote about the first time she felt truly free. As a nine-year-old, her mother allowed her to travel alone to Paris, a vibrant city that shaped her into a feminist and instilled a sense of freedom and independence.
The awards ceremony took place at the historic Palais Garnier, Paris’ iconic opera house. Five exceptional women were honored with DVF 2021 awards. Clarissa Ward, CNN’s chief international correspondent, was recognized with the Inspiration Award, while Melinda French Gates, a philanthropist and businesswoman, received the Lifetime Leadership Award. The other recipients included Wai Wai Nu, a Rohingyan refugee from Burma, Vanessa Nakate, a climate activist from Uganda, and Dr. Rouba Mhaissen, a Syrian/Lebanese activist.
Each award winner received a $50,000 grant, which, although not a large sum in the grand scheme of things, will be transformative for their respective initiatives. For instance, the grant money received by Natake, a representative from Uganda’s Rise Up Climate Movement, will be used to provide access to lighting and eco-friendly cooking stoves to schools in the region, ultimately reducing emissions and improving air quality.
Despite the challenges faced by the fashion industry, including store closures and layoffs, von Furstenberg remains an influential figure. She showcased her power by gathering prominent women such as Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, and Christine Lagarde to pay tribute to Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of the world’s most powerful women.
Von Furstenberg celebrated the French tradition of feminism and its link to her personal story. She praised influential French figures like Simone de Beauvoir and Simone Veil for their contributions to the country’s feminist movement. Additionally, she commended feminist fashion magazines in France, such as Elle and Marie Claire, for their progressive nature and empowerment of women.
The designer also discussed important contemporary feminist literature, highlighting the book “Le Consentement” by Vanessa Springora. The book sheds light on the exploitation of minors by celebrated authors, and von Furstenberg expressed her support for the movement to speak out against such abuse. She stressed the significance of amplifying voices and sharing stories.
The presence of Little Amal, a 3.5-meter-high puppet representing a young Syrian refugee girl, was a notable highlight of the event. Little Amal is part of a traveling art installation called The Walk, which aims to raise awareness and support for refugees. Von Furstenberg, whose parents were refugees themselves, expressed her personal connection to the cause and her admiration for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s compassionate leadership.
In conclusion, the DVF Awards in Paris provided a platform to celebrate feminism, honor inspirational women, and shed light on the challenges faced by refugees. Diane von Furstenberg’s commitment to women’s empowerment and her efforts to support refugees through her foundation and events like the DVF Awards showcase her lasting impact and influence in both the fashion and philanthropic spheres.
Useful links:
1. DVF Awards Official Website
2. Women’s Forum Official Website
