W Magazine’s editor-in-chief Stefano Tonchi and Diane von Furstenberg at Design Miami.

It’s hard to believe that American fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg had never before visited Miami for Art Basel until last Wednesday, December 5, when she stopped by Design Miami to speak at one of the fairs “Design Pioneers” talks. Moderated by Stefano Tonchi, editor-in-chief of W, the hour-long event was held to celebrate von Furstenberg’s career in fashion. Tonchi began by listing some of her greatest accomplishments, including the creation of her now famous ’70s-era wrap dress, and then continued to speak of her travels, sources of inspiration, and recent projects. “I am an explorer,” she told Tonchi. “I love life so much and I love to discover. It doesn’t matter where I go, I like to go.”

Wearing a Tara dress from her own Resort 2013 collection, the Belgium-born designer called the Magic City “the capital of South America,” in reference to the city’s international appeal, and after graciously complimented Tonchi himself: “You are one of the best fashion editors in America. I would say the best, but I don’t want to offend anybody.” Her comments were not just charming but playful, telling the audience of her experiences dating men, and how “when a woman feels like an animal, good things happen.” After the discussion, von Furstenberg greeted guests on stage to sign copies of Camilla Morton’s book, “Diane von Furstenberg and the Tale of the Empress’s New Clothes,” while Tonchi signed W’s just-released book, “W: The First 40 Years.” Today, Pharell will be speaking at 3 p.m. Design Miami, Meridian Ave. and 19th St., adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach

words_jonathan borge. photo_ courtesy of seth browarnik, world red eye.