Diane Fencl

1949 - 2026

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Diane (Hoerner) Fencl.

Diane was born and grew up in Southern California; San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area.

While in high school she became passionate about fashion; she began working part-time at a local department store. When she graduated, Diane promptly traveled to London and Paris by herself using her own money.

From there Diane was accepted into the executive training program at Bullock's, part of Federated Department Stores. Upon graduation, Diane quickly rose through the ranks as a buyer, merchandise group manager and divisional merchandise manager. Then J.W. Robinson department stores lured Diane to their chain with a senior level position. Through both companies there were product buying trips to London, Milan and Paris along with attendance at the annual runway shows in those cities.

Diane soon transitioned into working for manufacturers of the women's fashion sportswear and clothing as an executive product manager for several well-known names; Carol Little in LA, followed by Chaus, Donna Karen and Ralph Lauren in NYC.

In the early 1990's, Diane recognized that there was a void in the marketplace. No manufacturer was offering a line of luxury bed linens. So, Diane created Austin Horn Collection. Austin, a tribute to her grandmother Austin who was a seamstress to the Hollywood elites and taught Diane about fabrics. Horn, to include her maiden name, Hoerner, in the corporate identity.

Soon after founding Austin Horn Collection, Diane moved the company back to her native Southern California. After a couple of years, Diane met her soon to be husband, Douglas Fencl. He joined her company to help in the operations and expansion of the rapidly growing company.

In the luxury bed linens industry Diane was aka Dian Austin; founder/designer of Austin Horn Collection (1992 – 2003) and Dian Austin Couture Home (2006 – 2014). Both companies' extensive product lines were regularly best sellers in Neiman Marcus and Horchow catalog divisions as well as presented in the most exclusive boutiques throughout the US. Diane was known for her design talent, refined taste and keen eye to buy the most luxurious fabrics at shows in Lake Como, Italy; Paris, France; Brussels, Belgium and even Istanbul, Turkey.

She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Douglas, born in Council Bluffs, Iowa and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School; brother-in-law Larry Fencl; sister-in-law Bonnie Hoerner; and many nieces and nephews and their children.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ben Hoerner.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Esplanade Golf and Country Club, Naples, Florida on Wednesday, February 25th at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, Naples, Florida. (www.naplesshelter.org)