In a stunning revelation that challenges conventional notions of marriage, fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg has opened up about the extraordinary arrangement that sustained her union with Prince Egon von Furstenberg for nearly five decades.
The 77-year-old designer, renowned for creating the iconic wrap dress, shared intimate details about their relationship dynamic in her new memoir, The Woman I Wanted to Be, explaining how her husband's sexuality became the foundation rather than the fracture of their marriage.
The Unconventional Beginning
"I knew he was gay when I married him," von Furstenberg revealed with striking candour. Rather than viewing his sexuality as an obstacle, the Belgian-born designer saw it as an opportunity to build a different kind of partnership—one rooted in honesty and mutual understanding rather than traditional expectations.
The couple married in 1969 when von Furstenberg was just 22, creating immediate headlines as she became a princess through the union. Yet behind the glamorous facade was a relationship that defied convention from its very inception.
A Partnership Built on Honesty
"I never expected monogamy from him," she explained, describing how this understanding allowed their marriage to flourish. "It was a very modern arrangement."
This radical honesty created a bond that withstood the test of time, lasting until Prince Egon's death from pancreatic cancer in 2004. Their marriage produced two children, Alexandre and Tatiana, and became a testament to redefining relationship success on one's own terms.
Love Beyond Labels
Von Furstenberg's reflections offer a powerful perspective on the nature of commitment and love. She described their connection as profound, stating they remained "very, very close" throughout their lives together.
Her story challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to marriage, suggesting that understanding and accommodating a partner's authentic self can create stronger, more enduring bonds than rigid adherence to traditional norms.
Legacy of an Iconic Union
Today, von Furstenberg continues to honour her husband's memory while maintaining her status as a fashion industry titan. Her candid revelations provide not just a glimpse into a famous marriage, but a broader commentary on the evolving definitions of love and partnership in modern society.
The designer's story serves as an inspiration for those navigating complex relationships, proving that sometimes the most unconventional paths lead to the most meaningful connections.
