I just returned from seeing a wonderful documentary on Diane Vreeland, who was the fashion editor for Harper’s Bizarre from 1937 – 1962; Vogue from 1962 – 1971; then the curator for the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York until 1984. Vreeland was responsible for transforming fashion magazines into trendsetters, as well as aiding in catapulting Twiggy, Cher, Barbra Streisand, the Rolling Stones, Lauren Hutton, and Angelica Huston into stardom.
The great thing about this documentary is that you hear Diane Vreeland in her own words through much of it, discussing her thoughts about life, family, career, and fashion, as well as learn how she started with no real fashion education and created a completely new fashion sense for the country and much of the western world.
There are multiple magazine photos, personal photographs, video segments, and personal interviews throughout the documentary so it is easy to come away with what feels like the a fairly well-rounded picture of this woman. Ironically, she was not beautiful, but had a clear idea of what defined fashion and beauty. Many thought of her as a visionary when it came to art and fashion.
I highly recommend this documentary. Vreeland is exuberant in almost all areas of her life, especially fashion. She is lovable and admirable in her willingness to take risks and embrace the new and innovative.
This documentary is inspiring and provides fresh perspective for any person pursuing any artistic endeavor. Give yourself a treat and go see it.
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