Diane von Furstenberg Highest-Paid Fashion designer in the World

It's been a rough year for the fashion designer, but at least she has her millions of dollars to ease the pain. 79-year-old Diane von Furstenberg has taken the No. 1 spot on People With Money’s top 10 highest-paid fashion designers for 2026 with an estimated $96 million in combined earnings.

UPDATE 21/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Diane von Furstenberg tops annual list of highest-paid fashion designers

In 2023 it looked like the fashion designer’s spectacular career was winding down. Suddenly, she was back on top. People With Money reports on Friday (March 20) that von Furstenberg is the highest-paid fashion designer in the world, pulling in an astonishing $96 million between February 2025 and February 2026, a nearly $60 million lead over her closest competition.

People With Money’s factors

In compiling this yearly list, the magazine considers factors such as upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.

The American fashion designer has an estimated net worth of $275 million. She owes her fortune to smart stock investments, substantial property holdings, lucrative endorsement deals with CoverGirl cosmetics. She also owns several restaurants (the “Fat von Furstenberg Burger” chain) in Washington, a Football Team (the “Ixelles Angels”), has launched her own brand of Vodka (Pure Wondervon Furstenberg - US), and is tackling the juniors market with a top-selling perfume (With Love from Diane) and a fashion line called “Diane von Furstenberg Seduction”.

The ranking is significant for many Diane fans, who have been waiting for her triumphant return to the glory days for what seems like a lifetime.

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