WHO IS DIANA VREELAND
Diana Vreeland is one of my fashion idols . Therefore if any of you don’t know who she is and her impact on fashion you need to pay attention. When I came across this quote from Diana Vreeland she became my biggest fashion icon. ” A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika . We all need a splash of bad taste — it’s hearty. it’s healthy it’s physical.I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I’m against .”
DIANA VREELAND A COLORFUL CHARACTER
Fashion is a world bursting at the seams with colourful characters. From Andre Leon Talley to Anna Piaggi to Marc Jacobs. To be remembered as the one person who outshone everyone else in terms of personality and pizzazz is no mean feat . Probably, why those in the know talk about the late Vogue editor Diana Vreeland in such admiring tones.
An industry legend, Diana Vreeland was dubbed the ‘High Priestess of fashion’, by her contemporaries. Notably she played up to this status with her amazing wit and insights. For example ‘The bikini is the most important thing since the atomic bomb’ and ‘Pink is the navy blue of India’ .
But she had the chops to back up this sense of theatricality . In my opinion her embrace of her theatricality helped define her style . Diana Vreeland was born on 29th July 1903, in New York. However she altered this location to Paris or St. Petersburg depending on her mood.
DIANA VREELAND HER BEGINNINGS
The daughter of wealthy socialite parents, she married a handsome banker and had some kids. However at the grand old age of thirty-four, bored and frustrated she desired a career. Then providence came to play . While dancing one night at a party in her Chanel dress she caught the eye of Harper’s Bazaar editor Carmel Snow. Hence Snow was so impressed by her personal style she offered her a column. There, Diana Vreeland encouraged readers to indulge in fun and frivolous activities. Such as washing one’s baby’s hair in Champagne (‘like the French’).
It’s huge success led to her becoming more involved with the magazine.During her time there she ‘discovered’ Lauren Bacall. Also she began advising the newly crowned First Lady, Jackie Kennedy on her wardrobe. Moreover, her larger than life personality inspired a charismatic fashion editor character in the hit film Funny Face.Furthermore it was during this time she had her apartment decorated to look like a ‘garden in Hell’.
DIANA VREELAND AT VOGUE
In 1962 Vreeland was made Editor-in-Chief of Vogue US. There she became legendary for her hugely creative but jaw-dropping expensive shoots. In fact one with Norman Parkinson was shot in Tahiti using an Arab stallion and 200lbs of gold and silver Dynel. During her time at the Condé Nast she elevated the women’s magazine from woman’s journal to the fashion bible. Equally she also patronized fashion and rock n’ roll photographer David Bailey. Moreover she made Edie Sedgewick into a style icon, and partied the night away with Andy Warhol . Under her stewardship, Vogue featured not only Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton but Maris Callas, Alexander Calder and Truman Capote.
DIANA VREELAND AFTER VOGUE
Suddenly in 1971 Diana Vreeland was unceremoniously dumped by Vogue. However, the fashion world rallied around her. Forth with she was installed in a post as consultant of the Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Where a life-size portrait of her is on display, and where she paved the way for the gallery’s iconic fashion exhibits. Which have included Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty and Prada and Schiaparelli, Imagined Conversations most recently.
DIANA VREELAND HER STYLE
Like all icons Vreeland had a look all her own.Therefore in contrast to today’s glossy, chic fashion editors, she embraced excess. Vreeland said she has never come across a gaudy pattern or swatch of leopard print she didn’t like. Not classically beautiful, she instead made herself exotic. For example Diana wore dramatic make-up and lacquered, talon-like red nails at all times. Further she would wear all-black, imposing ensembles and drape herself in layers of unusual costume jewellery. Therefore, Vreeland would ensure she was the most striking looking person in the room. However, this was never hard for her , dressed head to toe in red chiffon she stole the spotlight. Furthermore her love of prints included leopard print to Chinese prints of intricate detail.
Vreeland loved to exaggerate. By her own admission she liked to add fictitious layers of glamour to life to make if more interesting. But when she said ‘I know what they’re going to wear before they wear it, what they’re going to eat before they eat it. I know where they’re going before it’s even there!’ it was true. And she’s one of the only people in history who could.
DIANA VREELAND ; DISCOVERING A UNIQUE STYLE
Therefore darlings if you are looking for a unique look or a signature style it’s important to pay attention to the great fashion icons. While I don’t encourage copying anyone it’s so important to have these references. For this reason I have written about the timeless chic looks of Audrey Hepburn . Moreover I have authored posts on the grandeur of The Duchess of Windsor and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Additionally the style of Bridget Bardot is of interest for it’s sexy groundbreaking style.
Then there is one of the most interesting, the style of Diana Vreeland. Especially relevant is the idea of developing a unique style , a personal , something that is your signature . Significantly Vreeland dictated style and fashion trends . She was eccentric and demanding , but in fashion she was always right.
DIANA VREELAND SAY’S…
“Black is the hardest color in the world to get right—except for gray…”
Yves Saint Laurent
$45.00
Statement Necklace
$525
MONIES
stones bracelet
$360
GAS BIJOUX
Belinda earrings
$232
JIMMY CHOO
Romy 100 pumps
$750
ALBERTA FERRETTI
longsleeved gown
$2,495
DIANA VREELAND SAYS……
“I can’t imagine becoming bored with red. It would be like becoming bored with the person you love “
Loubi Under Red’ Nail Color Pen
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
$45.00
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
long beaded tassel earring
$395
ATTICO
Pink Chloe 85 buckle strap mules
$772
MARIA CALDERARA
intertwined wiring necklace
$438
LANVIN
sheer sleeve pleated detail gown
$3,690 | 40% off $2,214
DIANA VREELAND SAYS…..
“God was fair to the Japanese. He gave them no oil, no diamonds. He gave them style”
MONIES
Drop Earrings in Black and Gold
$350
MARNI
Statement Necklace with Wood
359 USD
GUCCI
embroidered mules
$1,100
Dragon Turban
$625
Michael Kors Collection
Yasmeen Embellished Leather Clutch
$990
NATORI
Kimono Wrap
$3,900
DIANA VREELAND SAYS…..
“I mean, a new dress doesn’t get you anywhere; It’s the life you’re living in the new dress”
FEDERICA TOSI
crystal necklace
$402
WOLFORD
long embellished woven gloves
$175
MIU MIU
Miu Miu Crystal Drop Earrings
USD 185.64
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
Metallic Pumps
227 USD
PIERRE BALMAIN
metallic evening gown
$1,141
GUCCI
Metallic leather platform sneaker
$890
GUCCI EYEWEAR
embellished oversized glasses
$1,115
DOLCE & GABBANA
Welcome printed tote
$4,355
DOLCE & GABBANA VINTAGE
chilli pepper printed dress
$1,196
MARC JACOBS
lightning bolt sneakers
$347 | 50% off $174
RED VALENTINO
leopard print midi coat
$1,195 | 50% off $598
GUCCI
Leather mid-heel loafer
$1150
ATTICO
sequin embellished dragon bracelet bag
$575
CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA
Eugenie rainbow heel sandals
$724
GUCCI EYEWEAR
embellished oversized sunglasses
$978
