#Identity Design

Designing Identity

01 Mar 2023
4 min read

How to Form a Unique Personal and Brand Identity with Insights from Fashion Industry Leaders, Diane Von Furstenberg and Anna Wintour.


Identity is an essential part of human existence. It helps us understand our place in the world and gives us a sense of belonging.
For businesses, identity is critical because it differentiates them from their competitors and builds brand loyalty among their customers.
In this blog post, we will explore what identity is and how to create a strong personal and brand identity. We will draw insights from the expertise of two fashion industry leaders, Diane Von Furstenberg and Anna Wintour, who have shared their wisdom in their respective Masterclass courses.


📝 Key ideas:


1. What is Identity?
2. The Relationship between Personal and Brand Identity.
3. Why Identity is Important.
4. Insights from Diane Von Furstenberg and Anna Wintour.
5. How to Create a Strong Personal and Brand Identity.



1. What is Identity?


Identity is a multifaceted concept that encompasses our beliefs, values, experiences, culture, and sense of self-worth. It is not static and can change over time. Personal identity is influenced by our experiences, while brand identity is shaped by the values, beliefs, and culture of the company.

2. The Relationship between Personal and Brand Identity.


Personal and brand identity are closely intertwined. Brand identity reflects the company's values and unique selling proposition, while personal identity reflects our sense of self and how we present ourselves to the world. For businesses, creating a strong brand identity that aligns with their core values and vision can build brand loyalty and differentiate them from their competitors.

3. Why Identity is Important.


Identity provides us with a sense of belonging and purpose. It helps us understand our place in the world and define our goals and aspirations. For businesses, a strong brand identity is essential for standing out in a crowded marketplace, creating a lasting impression on customers, and building brand loyalty.

4. Insights from Diane Von Furstenberg and Anna Wintour.


Diane Von Furstenberg, in her masterclass course, emphasizes the importance of having a clear intention and knowing what inspires you in developing a unique selling proposition for your brand. To design your life and brand, it is important to dream and focus on your intention. You need to know why you have a desire and evaluate the strength of your visual eye. You must stand for something and offer something different.
Von Furstenberg suggests finding a niche, promoting local treasures, and having a strong vision for your brand. It is important to start with what inspires you and to have an idea to build around. You need to give your product a personality, name, and something catchy that you can play with and tell a compelling story. You should value the movement and design with personality.
Furthermore, Von Furstenberg suggests finding your brand's DNA and pushing it as far as you can. Your personal DNA is what makes your brand unique, and it needs to be remembered. You should create brand loyalty by focusing on the product, speaking the truth, and having a good reputation. People are loyal to what the product represents, so it is important to focus on the intention, meaning, and value of your brand's originality.
In short, to build a successful brand, you must stay true to yourself, have a clear vision, and offer something unique and valuable.
Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, emphasizes the importance of authenticity, staying true to your core values, and taking risks. To establish a strong identity, she advises learning, meeting new people, and experiencing life beyond social media. She stresses the significance of finding a career that brings joy and working with a great team while owning one's decisions and beliefs.
To develop one's creative vision and identity, Wintour recommends investing in the right people, empowering them, and being clear and honest about one's goals. She advises being true to oneself, following one's vision, and being driven by one's heart, talent, and instinct. Additionally, she encourages taking risks, being daring, and staying open to learning from mistakes while keeping an eye on the larger cultural shifts.
Finally, Wintour underscores the importance of leadership skills, having a strong work ethic, and paying attention to details while building a vision that others can believe in. She emphasizes the significance of having something to say and a voice for things one cares about, gathering references to communicate one's vision, and making strategic choices that help the audience better understand one's brand.

"Creating a strong personal and brand identity requires a combination of creativity, intention, and self-awareness."



Here are some key tips:


- Know your intention: As Diane Von Furstenberg suggests, focus on your intention, polish and question it, and you will get the energy to achieve your goals.
- Identify your inspiration: Start with what inspires you, whether it's a personal experience or a local treasure.

- Define your unique selling proposition: Identify what makes you or your brand different from others, and build around it.

- Develop a personality for your brand: Give your brand a personality, a name, and a story that resonates with your customers.

- Stand for something: Identify your core values and beliefs and communicate them through your brand.

- Be creative: Creativity is essential to creating a strong personal and brand identity. Experiment with different colors, designs, and styles to find what resonates with you and your customers.

5. Conclusion


Creating a strong personal and brand identity requires intention, creativity, and self-awareness. It is essential to know your inspiration, define your unique selling proposition, and communicate your core values and beliefs through your brand.

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