Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel
I’m playing a game of Blogger’s Roulette today. There are three ideas spinning around in my head and I’m not sure which one I’m going to shoot to pieces. Click. It’s the new documentary Diana Vreeland The Eye Has To Travel. Which is good because I’ve seen a preview and it’s out in the UK this week.
‘She was the first blogger,’ Diane Von Furstenberg says of Diana (pronounced Dee-anna) Vreeland, ‘She was always sending out memos.’ So as well as editing two of the world’s biggest fashion magazines, advising Jackie Kennedy and discovering Lauren Bacall, DV was constantly churning out bite-sized pronouncements. Succinct and eloquent, she’d have been a star of the Twitterverse.
Now, I’m not a proper film critic, I haven’t quite mastered the art of taking notes in the dark. I was almost tempted to take one of my bike lights out of my bag and use it as a torch but don’t think that would’ve gone down well with The Times journalist sitting directly in front of me – and I’d already spilt my coffee down the back of her seat. Anyhow. The film is fantastic. I loved the preview and can’t wait to buy the DVD. Lots of great clips of Vreeland in conversation, a gorgeous selection of her timeless fashion shoots and interviews with friends, family and business colleagues: photographers such as Richard Avedon (‘Diana was like a crazy aunt…she was and remains the only genius fashion editor’) and David Bailey, models including China Machado (‘Diana was fashion’), Lauren Hutton and Angelica Huston and her put-upon assistant at Harper’s Bazaar, Ali McGraw.
She was ‘a woman of a certain age with power’ as Angelica Huston points out. DV’s creative vision – using exceptional-looking models sent out an important message at the time – and eloquent pronouncements, turned her into one of the most influential women of the 20th century. The legendary fashion editor admits that she never felt comfortable with her looks until she met her husband Reed Vreeland. DV’s mother called her ‘my ugly little monster,’ though personally, I think she was incredibly striking. Beautiful in an extraordinary way. Talented, funny and charming. And a bit of a fantasist too. From meeting Buffalo Bill on holiday in the Rocky Mountains to seeing the Lindberg flying over Brewster (which wasn’t even on its route), you’re never quite sure what’s fact or fiction. As the Metropolitan Museum’s Harold Koda points out, ‘There were these moments when she was not representing the historical truth… she was a great inventor.’
Discussion (14 Comments)
Looking forward to getting my hands on this. Is it just out on DVD. Presume you can buy it on Amazon.
Maryl – Diana Vreeland overall with a special mention for Grace Coddington.
Chicatanyage – the film is out this week, not sure when the DVD will be released but I'll let you know when I get my hands on a copy.
Anna Wintour and Diana Vreeland are like apples and oranges… DV was born and shone at at time when breaking the rules was outrageous, and that is what DV did! She pointed out what the world considered "ugly" and turned into a woman's best asset. Example: Streissand's nose… She turned ugly ducklings into swans and she played by her own rules when mute colors were in she wore scarlet, and considered pink the navy of India. Read her biaography years ago, and worth every minute.
Anna Wintour is a franchise.. who is now looking fr a diplomatic post prferably in France…or GB… DV was married.. AW has companions.. like boxes of tissues..or umbrellas… AW is a powerhouse that can make or break a designer… DV is all about class… which you are born with. When AW was asked why she wore sunglasses, her response was: "So poeple can't see how bored I am when I am bored…" yawn.. Yes, my dear AW you are the most boring of all. Lose the wig, the glasses and God help us if Obama sends you overseas… unless it is Siberia.I read the Book by the same name and it is one of the best written books of all time and includes the most beautiful photos ever! I wonder how the documentary is different from the book? DV was fascinating on all levels AW is just plain boring. I do not remember the name of the male editor of Vogue now but he is the epitome of AW. DV was all about fun, drama, dare to, and flamboyant. All things you cannot buy and all things AW and the male editor of Vogue are not.
I can hardly wait to see this. Yes, she was a powerfull older woman, as was Helen Gurly Brown – both in the magazine business and both very traditional in their personal lives but had extraordinary visions for women. So interesting. Vreeland was the breadwinner in her household and yet remained, apparently, always in awe of her husband. Such a study in contrasts. And then there's the style….
Nina, Angele – agree. Anna Wintour is a business woman, Diana Vreeland was an innovator. A fabulous, original creative.
L'age moyen – I blame her mother.
How brilliant! I so want to see it now:) Thanks so much for all the info. I am totally excited about it. Happy Thursday, dear.
I would like to see this. Looks quite fascinating.
Re: Seeing Bauhaus twice – lucky you! And no, you're not being a "show-off", you are sharing experiences. 🙂
xo S.I would like to see this. Looks quite fascinating.
Re: Seeing Bauhaus twice – lucky you! And no, you're not being a "show-off", you are sharing experiences. 🙂
xo S.
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Thanks for the heads up; will look for it. Does it compare to The September Issue featuring Anna Wintour? Who will come out looking the strongest and wisest?