In this Thursday’s episode of The Run-Through, Nicole Phelps talks with Henry Zankov, the new artistic director of Diane von Furstenberg, just days before he presents back-to-back shows for DVF and his own label, Zankov. Zankov’s history with DVF dates back to 2014, when he joined as a knitwear designer. He stayed for about four years before leaving to start his own brand, and later returned as a knitwear consultant as the company brought more design work in-house. Working with Diane von Furstenberg has been a key experience, Zankov says, and he credits her with helping him embrace color—a hallmark of both DVF and his own label. As for whether a wrap dress will actually show up in his debut, Zankov stays coy: “There might be a wrap-dress surprise. We’ll see.” He does confirm that a broader theme of “wrapping the body” will run through the collection, a clear nod to the iconic dress DVF introduced 50 years ago. Recently named one of Vogue’s “new kings of color,” Zankov describes color as more like a language than a design tool—something connected to memory, sound, even music. He’s been studying 1960s Brazilian architecture and listening to a lot of bossa nova, PJ Harvey, and jazz, all of which are shaping his palette. His current favorite color is a pistachio green he seemed to see everywhere during a six-month stay in Milan. Zankov’s path to fashion began early. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, he moved with his family to Teaneck, New Jersey, at nine, arriving without speaking English and learning about American culture mostly through MTV. A chance sighting of Donna Karan at Port Authority as a teenager—not long after he’d fallen for her label via Fashion Television—stayed with him; he later interned at DKNY, designing men’s shirts before moving into knitwear, the specialty that would define his career. Beyond the shows, Zankov has his eye on a fragrance collaboration down the line, and he’s open to designing menswear eventually, though he’s not rushing it. His past collaborators include Selima Salaun of Selima Optique and musician Troye Sivan, who became a fan after buying one of Zankov’s blankets during the pandemic. As for how he’ll celebrate once both shows wrap? Not much rest is in sight. Zankov is getting married in early October, and the days after his shows will likely turn to wedding prep.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the podcast episode King of Color Henry Zankov on Returning to Diane von Furstenberg

Beginner Questions

Who is Henry Zankov
Henry Zankov is a fashion designer known for his bold use of color and knitwear He is the founder of the brand ZANKOV and has recently returned to work with Diane von Furstenberg

What is the podcast King of Color about
This specific episode features an interview with Henry Zankov It focuses on his career journey his reputation for mastering color and his decision to return to the Diane von Furstenberg brand

Who is Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg is a legendary fashion designer famous for inventing the wrap dress in the 1970s Her brand DVF is known for empowering women and using distinctive colorful prints

What does returning mean in this context
It refers to Henry Zankov going back to work at the DVF company He had worked there earlier in his career and has now come back in a new role

Why is Henry Zankov called the King of Color
He earned this nickname because he is exceptionally skilled at combining colors that most people wouldnt think to put together His designs are known for being vibrant joyful and visually striking

Intermediate Questions

Why did Henry Zankov leave DVF the first time and why did he come back
While specific career breaks vary designers often leave big brands to start their own labels or explore other creative avenues He returned because the timing was right and the opportunity to lead the creative vision at such an iconic brand was compelling

What is the main benefit of a designer returning to a brand they previously worked for
The main benefit is institutional knowledge The designer already understands the brands history archives and DNA This allows them to modernize the brand without losing its original identity

How does Zankovs personal brand differ from his work at DVF
ZANKOV is known for technical innovative knitwear and specific color palettes DVF is famous for prints wrap dresses and a more feminine jetset aesthetic The