When it comes to effortless summer style, few do it better than Diane von Fürstenberg. While she is internationally renowned for the wrap dress, her personal footwear choices often provide the best masterclass in balancing comfort with high fashion.
On July 13, 2015, the then-CFDA President joined city officials at Skylight Clarkson Sq in Lower Manhattan to launch the inaugural New York Fashion Week: Men’s.
For the historic press conference, von Fürstenberg opted for an approachable, “laid-back chic” aesthetic that centered around a pair of eclectic animal-print wedges.
Diane von Fürstenberg was also joined by Steven Kolb and New York City deputy mayor Alicia Glen (Credit: Jeff Grossman / WENN)
The designer paired her signature natural curls with a multi-patterned shirt dress and accessories that leaned into a bohemian vibe, including tortoise-shell sunglasses and a shark-tooth necklace.
Diane von Fürstenberg discussing the growth and impact of fashion week (Credit: Jeff Grossman / WENN)
However, the standout element of her ensemble was her choice of practical yet bold T-strap sandals.
Diane von Fürstenberg accessorized her mini dress with a captivating shark-tooth necklace and elegant tortoise sunglasses (Credit: Jeff Grossman / WENN)
Diane finished her laid-back, chic look with a comfortable, stylish pair of “Darling” sandals from her collection.
Diane von Fürstenberg celebrates the launch of New York Fashion Week: Men’s in a colorful geometric shirt dress, finishing the look with relaxed animal-print sandals that embody her signature effortless chic
Her shoes feature leopard-print haircalf straps, tan leather T-straps, tangerine leather slingback straps with adjustable gold-tone buckle fastenings, and about an inch of wedge heels.
Animal-print wedges have long been a celebrity favorite for their ability to combine bold style with walkable comfort. Beyond Diane von Fürstenberg’s own signature designs, stars like Emilia Clarke have embraced leopard-print wedge sandals for red-carpet and event appearances, proving the trend’s enduring appeal.
Diane von Fürstenberg exuded a playful vibe in a simple yet chic shirt dress adorned with buttons along the front at the New York Fashion Week Men’s S/S 2016 Opening Press Conference at Skylight Clarkson Sq in New York City on July 13, 2015 (Credit: Jeff Grossman / WENN)
From charity events to premieres, animal-print shoes—especially wedges—remain a go-to choice for celebrities seeking statement footwear without sacrificing ease of wear.
As highlighted in our roundup of leopard-print shoes worn by celebrities, this timeless pattern continues to transcend seasons, cementing animal-print wedges as a versatile staple in celebrity shoe style.
A close-up highlights Diane von Fürstenberg’s practical yet playful T-strap sandals, featuring leopard-print accents and tan leather details designed for all-day comfort
While the leopard haircalf version offers a warm, earthy palette, the DVF “Darling” sandal was also released in a striking black-and-white zebra stripe. This high-contrast alternative replaced the tangerine accents with a more monochromatic finish, appealing to wearers drawn to cooler tones over classic leopard spots.
Both designs retained the signature one-inch wedge and walkable T-strap silhouette that made the sandal a practical choice for summer city wear. Today, these styles also reflect a distinct chapter in Diane von Fürstenberg’s brand history.
The DVF “Darling” sandal in leopard haircalf pairs warm tan leather and bold tangerine accents with a low, walkable wedge designed for effortless summer wear
Beginning in 2020, DVF underwent a widely reported “radical reset” to avoid bankruptcy, closing 18 of its 19 U.S. retail stores and sharply reducing wholesale distribution to focus on a digital-first, direct-to-consumer strategy.
As of early 2026, the label is in the midst of a renewed in-house comeback, having brought operations back to New York under new leadership and a more selective retail model—positioning archival designs like the “Darling” sandal as enduring symbols of the brand’s practical, confidence-driven ethos.
A black-and-white zebra-striped version of the DVF “Darling” sandal offers a cooler, high-contrast take on the same signature T-strap silhouette and one-inch wedge heel
Why Diane von Fürstenberg’s Shoes Remain Effortlessly Wearable
While Diane von Fürstenberg is best known for redefining modern dressing, her footwear reflects the same philosophy—confident, comfortable, and designed for real life.
From walkable wedges to playful animal prints, DVF’s shoes balance practicality with polish, making them enduring favorites both on and off the runway.
If you’re drawn to fashion that prioritizes ease without sacrificing impact, these standout DVF moments are worth revisiting.
- 🌟 Jessica Alba in Diane von Furstenberg Bianca Pumps — Alba elevates an airport look with classic DVF Bianca pumps that transition seamlessly from casual to polished style.
- 👠 Nicky Hilton Rocks Diane von Furstenberg ‘Theia’ Wedges — A standout sunny style moment with bold, geometric DVF wedges.
- ✨ Kelly Hu’s Youthful Glow & Must-Have Wedges — Kelly Hu pairs chic DVF Opal wedges with a draped wrap dress for effortless elegance.
- 👗 18 American Brands That Shaped Shoe & Fashion Culture — Features Diane von Fürstenberg’s memorable shoe moments and her influence on footwear style.
- 👗 DVF Wrap Dress: A Fashion Classic for 40 Years — Though centered on fashion, this story includes wrap-dress moments that intersect with DVF’s broader style influence.
- 👗 Jamie Chung vs. Brie Larson in Diane von Fürstenberg Star-Print Dress — A celeb style comparison showcasing DVF’s fashion impact alongside strappy sandals.