Diane von Furstenberg has found its next creative force in Henry Zankov. The New York-based designer has been appointed artistic director, a new role at the brand. “Henry brings fresh energy, a strong point of view, and cultural relevance for a new generation to discover DVF,” the brand’s CEO Graziano di Boni said in a statement.
The appointment is a full-circle moment for Zankov, whose namesake line, Zankov, has become a favourite among New York’s fashionable set since its 2020 launch. The designer joined DVF in 2014, when it was under the vision of Jonathan Saunders, and collaborated on a capsule collection for Bergdorf Goodman in 2025. In addition to his legacy with the brand, Zankov’s knitwear acumen and vibrant use of colour align naturally with DVF’s bold, expressive identity.
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Like von Furstenberg, whose wrap dress revolutionised fashion in the 1970s, Zankov has built a reputation around pieces that balance ease and high glamour. His spring/summer 2026 collection at New York Fashion Week was full of the latter: Paillette-covered sheath dresses, colorful intarsia separates, and silk blouses with vibrant sweaters covering the waist. Von Furstenberg, 80, stepped back from the business in 2020 and still retains ownership of DVF alongside her family.
“I have always been surrounded and inspired by strong women and Diane is the ultimate embodiment of that,” Zankov explained in a statement. “The DVF woman is a rebel—confident, curious and independent. It is an honour and privilege for me to build on Diane’s legacy and to carry the brand into the future.”
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In his new role, Zankov will “oversee the brand’s total creative, from collections to visual identity.” He will continue to design his namesake label, but will move its operations from Brooklyn to DVF’s Manhattan headquarters.
The designer is scheduled to present his debut collection at New York Fashion Week in September 2026 in what’s sure to be one of the hottest tickets in town.
This article was first seen on ELLE US.