Henry Zankov will be the new creative director of Diane von Furstenberg (DVF), the American designer brand named after its founder, who created it in 1972 with the goal of empowering women. It is known for its iconic wrap dress, its bold approach to color and prints, and its feminine, effortless silhouettes suited for dynamic, contemporary women.
The first collection under Zankov’s leadership will debut in September 2026 during New York Fashion Week. In his new role, he will oversee the brand’s entire creative direction, from collections to visual identity. However, he will also continue to lead his eponymous brand, Zankov, alongside his responsibilities at DVF.
Zankov is no stranger to DVF, having first joined the brand in 2014, where he worked for four years before launching his own brand in 2020.
His return to DVF began last September with the creation of an exclusive capsule collection, previewed at Bergdorf Goodman.
“I have always been surrounded by and inspired by strong women, and Diane is the absolute embodiment of that. The DVF woman is a rebel: confident, curious, and independent. It is an honor and a privilege for me to build on Diane’s legacy and guide the brand into the future,” commented the newly named creative director.
Zankov handwriting shares some characteristics with DVF, as it is characterized by a bold use of color, rich textures, and an unconventional sensibility, as well as a distinctive, relaxed approach to dressing.
Among other acknowledgements, in 2024, he won the CFDA American Emerging Designer of the Year Award, cementing his position as one of the most exciting voices in the new international fashion scene.
“Bringing the business back in-house in 2025 was a deliberate choice to reclaim the brand’s identity and value. This appointment marks a new phase in its evolution,” said Graziano De Boni, CEO of DVF.
“Henry brings new energy, a strong vision, and cultural relevance capable of connecting a new generation to DVF. I am excited to work closely with Henry to strengthen the legacy of Diane and DVF,” added the executive, who since joining the company in 2023 has been focusing on a long-term strategy centered on reclaiming the brand’s stylistic language, restoring the product’s authenticity, and relaunching its global distribution.
“I applaud Graziano’s vision. I am excited to see how Henry’s design, his sense of color, and his natural sensibility will win over a new generation,” commented Diane von Furstenberg.