Henry Zankov at Diane Von Furstenberg headquarters
Photo: Hunter Abrams

Henry Zankov has been named Artistic Director of Diane Von Furstenberg, a newly created role at the company.

The appointment comes after CEO Graziano di Boni’s decision in 2025 to bring DVF’s operations back in-house, following four years of outsourcing management to Chinese licensee Glamel. “Henry brings fresh energy, a strong point of view, and cultural relevance for a new generation to discover DVF,” di Boni said in a statement.

This is a homecoming for Zankov, who worked at the brand in the mid-2010s when Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders was creative director. He returned last year to design a capsule collection for the label, sold at Bergdorf Goodman. In his new role, Zankov will oversee all creative aspects of the company, including collections and visual identity. He will make his debut in September during New York Fashion Week.

Zankov, fall 2026
Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com

Zankov, spring 2026
Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com

Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Zankov immigrated with his family to New Jersey as a child. He credits his time at DVF for shaping his love of color, which he showcases in the playful, knitwear-focused brand he launched in 2020. He will continue to run his namesake label, moving its studio from its former Brooklyn location to DVF’s headquarters in the Meatpacking District. During a meeting at the office last week, he was surrounded by mood boards pinned with artwork, interior photos, and magazine tear sheets highlighting DVF’s signature elements: color, print, and movement. “We all know the brand has connected with women over the decades,” he reflected. “It has such a strong vocabulary—not just visual, but even psychological, you could say—and I feel there’s so much potential here.”

Von Furstenberg introduced her famous wrap dress in 1974, just as second-wave feminism was gaining momentum and a new generation of women were entering the workforce. Over the years, the dress’s simple yet sexy design—slip it on, tie it at the waist, and go—has come to symbolize freedom and even female entrepreneurship. In 2024, Von Furstenberg was the subject of a documentary, Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge, which opened the Tribeca Film Festival.

While the wrap dress is the heart of the brand, Zankov sees beyond it. “I’d love for someone to come in and buy a cotton T-shirt or a trench coat,” he said. “The thing about DVF is that all the pieces have to be made and designed in a way that feels really effortless. The garments need to feel substantial but also light.” His philosophy is taking shape: “I don’t think of this brand as just a fashion brand. I think it’s a brand about women. I mean, they come first. The person comes first.”

Von Furstenberg, who will turn 80 at the end of this year and now spends much of her time in Venice, Italy, feels reassured by Zankov’s four years at the label in the 2010s. Plus, she noted, “he and I come from the same tribe.” Both designers trace their roots to Chișinău, once part of the Kingdom of Romania and now the capital of Moldova. Has she offered Zankov any advice? “Diane says it differently, but it’s exactly what I say in my own way,” he said. “You know, it’s about ease, effortlessness, and intention.”

Eva Chen wears Zankov in New York.
Photographed by Phil Oh

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Henry Zankovs new role as Artistic Director at Diane von Furstenberg

1 Who is Henry Zankov
Hes a fashion designer known for his knitwear brand Zankov He is highly regarded for his focus on texture color and innovative fabric techniques

2 What is his new job at Diane von Furstenberg
He is the new Artistic Director This means he is now in charge of the overall creative vision for the brand including the design of the clothing collections

3 Why did DVF choose him
DVF is looking to modernize its iconic wrap dress and other classics Zankovs expertise in knitwear and modern silhouettes is seen as a perfect fit to bring the brand into a new era while honoring its heritage

4 Will he change the famous wrap dress
Yes but likely in a respectful way He will probably reimagine it using new fabrics different proportions or updated details to make it feel fresh for todays customer while keeping its core identity

5 What does this mean for the Zankov brand
He will continue to run his own label Zankov alongside his new role Its a dual role meaning he will split his time between the two

6 Is this a big deal for the fashion industry
Yes It signals that DVF is serious about a creative revival Bringing in an independent highly respected designer like Zankov shows they want artistic credibility not just commercial sales

7 When will his first DVF collection be available
His debut collection for DVF is expected to launch for the FallWinter 2025 season likely appearing in stores and online in late summer or early fall 2025

8 How is he different from previous DVF designers
Previous designers often came from big corporate fashion houses Zankov comes from a smaller artisanal background This suggests a shift toward more craftsmanship texture and thoughtful design rather than just trenddriven fast fashion

9 What specific skills does he bring to DVF
His main strengths are