Friday, October 12, 2012

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel

Portrait of Diana Vreeland and Marissa Berenson; Photograph by James Karales - Courtesy of the Estate of James Karales

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, run don’t walk to see, “Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel.” It is an intimate documentary film about one of the most influential women of the 20th century, an enduring icon whose influence changed the face of fashion, beauty, art, publishing and culture forever. 

Diana Vreeland was the legendary fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar (1937-1962) and editor-in-chief at Vogue (1962-1971). In 1971 she began a remarkable stint at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, where she helped popularize its historical collections.


Portrait of Diana Vreeland in Vogue Office; Photograph by James Karales - Courtesy of Estate of James Karales

Vreeland was arguably the 20th century’s greatest arbiter of style who dazzled the world with her unique vision. During her fifty year reign as the “Empress of Fashion”  she discovered Lauren Bacall, launched Twiggy, advised Jackie Kennedy in matters of style, and established countless trends that have withstood the test of time. Her famous red living room became the headquarters for New York arts and society. She was truly a fashion legend. 
As Jackie Onassis once put it: “To say Diana Vreeland has dealt only with fashion trivializes what she has done. She has commented on the times in a wise and witty manner. She has lived a life.”

"Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel" is playing at the Music Box Theatre, Chicago.