The incomparable Diane Vreeland, born in Paris during the Belle Epoque to an American mother and British father and with no formal education, transformed the world of fashion and with it a culture, through her eye and spirit during her time as the Fashion Editor of Harper’s Bazaar. Her life is beautifully depicted in […]
The incomparable Diane Vreeland, born in Paris during the Belle Epoque to an American mother and British father and with no formal education, transformed the world of fashion and with it a culture, through her eye and spirit during her time as the Fashion Editor of Harper’s Bazaar. Her life is beautifully depicted in the documentary, “The Eye Has to Travel” playing at the Embarcadero Theater until October 18th.
She introduced her signature style and opinion with the column, “Why Don’t You?” and from the very beginning her Diane’s perspective stood out. She didn’t focus on formal dressing for high society ladies like other magazines and because of that she revolutionized the fashion magazine, giving voice to the new post-war woman. Diane showed how women could express themselves through their clothes, instead of being restricted.
Diane had a very clear concept for every photo shoot she did and was extremely detailed. She never published anything she didn’t love, often making her photographers reshoot multiple times to get it right. Insufferable at times – people loved Diane for her talent, innovation, and for discovering a new phenomenon in every fashion editorial.
After 26 successful years at Harper’s Bazaar, she continued her work at Vogue for nine years as Editor-in-Chief. She ended her career leading the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
“I think part of my success as an editor came from never worrying about a fact, a cause, an atmosphere. It was me — projecting to the public. That was my job. I think I always had a perfectly clear view of what was possible for the public. GIVE ‘EM WHAT THEY NEVER KNEW THEY WANTED.” -Diana Vreeland
Get your ticket to “The Eye Has to Travel” here.
