Diane von Furstenberg—DVF to most—is something of a heroine herself in the fashion world. So when she released a limited-edition collection inspired by Wonder Woman in 2008, the collaboration felt like destiny.
The collection, created in collaboration with Warner Bros. and DC Comics, was a fun, vibrant tribute to the iconic 1940s superheroine. Think star-spangled T-shirts, bold bags, notepads, and even a custom comic book—each piece bursting with the bright colours and signature motifs we associate with Wonder Woman.
But it wasn’t just about fashion. A portion of the proceeds went to Vital Voices Global Partnership, a non-profit dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs across the globe. “Wonder Woman is the ultimate symbol of female strength, independence and freedom,” DVF said at the time. “The collection will inspire every woman to be the Wonder Woman she wants to be… There’s a Wonder Woman inside every one of us.”
What’s striking is how much Diane Von (DVF) and Diana Prince (aka Wonder Woman) have in common. Both were born in the 1940s, both came from foreign lands, and both found their way to the U.S. with big dreams and even bigger ambition. They were young, beautiful, and determined—brunettes with a mission. One built a fashion empire, the other fought villains on television. Only real difference? One had a magic lasso and an invisible plane.
DVF’s Wonder Woman line was far from your typical comic-book cosplay. The standout was the iconic T shirt with the Diane’s face reimagined as Wonder Woman together with stars and stripes in elegant, muted tones—more timeless statement than costume. It proved that channeling your inner superhero didn’t mean sporting hot pants and knee-high boots.
Wonder Woman herself has always been more than just a comic book character. Created in 1941 by psychologist William Moulton Marston—who also invented the lie detector—she was born during World War II as a powerful female alternative to male superheroes. She wore the American flag like armor and took on Nazis, spies, and evil with unmatched confidence. By the 1970s, she had become a feminist icon, gracing the cover of Ms. magazine and inspiring a generation.
She made her way to fashion too, popping up in everything from museum exhibits to runway collections. In 2001, John Galliano drew inspiration from her for a bold (and very revealing) Christian Dior look—striped jacket, gold bustier, and starry hotpants included.
But for Diane, the Wonder Woman collection wasn’t about trend-chasing. It was about power, purpose, and possibility. Alongside the fashion pieces, she wrote a comic book—The Adventures of Diva, Viva and Fifa—packed with the empowering message: “Be the Wonder Woman you can be.” And from the cover of the comic book, DVF made a limited edition Bag that is a dream collector’s item. In addition the iconic lip’s of DVF and Wonder Woman inspired the practical Tote in Pouch Bag that every super woman needs.
All proceeds from the comic book, and part of the collection sales, went to Vital Voices. And according to Baroness Mary Goudie, a director at the organization, the impact was huge: “By her example, she’s empowering young women and other women around the world.”
DVF is truly ‘D OG (The Original) who has inspired many, including us to make beautiful and iconic products while empowering women through skill development and employment. Much like Wonder Woman herself.
