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Boston Herald

Besides the little black dress, there are few pieces of clothing more iconic than Diane von Furstenberg's wrap.

Now, thanks to that frock's renaissance, von Furstenberg is becoming something of an icon herself.

The 58-year-old is enjoying what many in the industry say doesn't exist: a second chance at a fashion career.

"(The first time) I learned how to do it with my instinct, with my own dreams," said von Furstenberg, who makes an appearance at Sephora in the Prudential Center today. "With my second career, I still do it with instinct, but also experience."

Von Furstenberg's visit comes as part of an effort to promote her new beauty line, but she also will sign copies of her autobiography, "Diane: A Signature Life," which is every bit as juicy as her lip glosses.

The daughter of a Holocaust survivor, she married a philandering Austro-Italian prince and had two children by the age of 24. Her life epitomized glamour, as she posed for Andy Warhol and dined with Salvador Dali. Three years ago, she married longtime love - and media mogul - Barry Diller.

"I've lived, and I can't even pretend I've lived," she said during a recent telephone interview from her New York office.

Here's Diane on:

The wrap

The idea for the dress was inspired after seeing Julie Nixon Eisenhower on TV in a wrap top and skirt.

"What made mine different was that it was in jersey. It molded the body. . . . Little did I know that it (would be) written on my tombstone."

Trying to make a comeback in the early 1990s after losing control of her brand:

"People would just look at me as a has-been. It was really painful."

Her two most hated phrases:

"I loath the words `settled down' and `step back.' I hope I can stay engaged in life as long as I live."

Favorite young designers

John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs.

Her stint on QVC

"Even though it's not really what I wanted to do, it gave me confidence. It made people say, `Oh look, she's a pioneer again.' "

Beauty then and now:

"When I was 19 or 20 or 21, I wore eyelashes and hair pieces and bright colors. Now that is different. What is the same to me is the woman.

"A woman is a woman. She has the same insecurities and the same strengths. Women are afraid to show their strengths. If I have any role, it's to give women confidence."

Success second-time around:

"To see that I'm hot among young people - it's so flattering. It's better than Botox."

Diane von Furstenberg will be at Sephora today in the Prudential Center from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. She will sign copies of her autobiography and take makeover appointments. Call 617-262-4200.

Caption: YOU'RE MAKING ME BLUSH: Diane von Furstenberg, whose dress designs, left and above, are a hit with fashionistas, is hoping her new makeup line, top, enjoys similar success. Staff photos of models by Michael Fein