Diane von Furstenberg's Wonder Woman collection & superheroic philanthropy

Today's Women's Wear Daily has two feature articles on superheroes and fashion, including the above announcement of Diane von Furstenberg's new Wonder Woman line in collaboration with DC Comics. That the designer has such a strong personal connection to Wonder Woman should not come as a surprise, given the character's historic role as a symbol of women's empowerment in the early 1970s, when DVF emerged as one of the world's most prominent fashion designers and businesswomen.

The connection between superheroes, fashion and charity also has deep roots. All express transformative identity, rising above our given condition to create something more.

Expect to see a lot more mass media attention on supercouture as we approach Monday's Costume Institute Gala Benefit to mark the opening of the Met's new exhibit on Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy.

In related news, here's a fascinating article on the issue of Islam and Wonder Woman's costume in a theme park in Dubai.