HOW THE FABULOUS STYLE OF DIANA VREELAND CAN MAKE YOU UNIQUE

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 ; FIND YOUR ECCENTRIC EDGE

Darlings I myself have been described as being slightly eccentric, although by no way is this a requirement for this post. However I think we all have some of this in us . By all means Diana Vreeland was a eccentric.

DEFINITION

1(of a person or their behaviour) unconventional and slightly strange.‘he noted her eccentric appearance’

2 ‘Her eccentric characters are imbued with humanity, and the ending is stunning.’

“Before there was Daphne Guinness, before there was Lady Gaga, there was the original style setter – Diana Vreeland,”

Known for her eccentricity, Diana Vreeland had a very strong opinion on fashion. But above all, she knew that style, elegance, beauty – all these things can only survive in the company of the right mindset. Vreeland said: “You gotta have style. It helps you get up in the morning. It’s a way of life. Without it you’re nobody. I’m not talking about a lot of clothes.” And she proved this philosophy by her own example. Often the signature pieces chosen are accessories , handbags , shoes , glasses ect. These are pieces that can set your style and go from season to season.

Furthermore developing a true sense of style may include being eccentric.

From the runway to the street, fashion is embracing extreme expressions of personal style, now more than ever.

SHOP FOR SIGNATURE PIECES HERE

DIANA VREELAND SIGNATURE STYLE

Darlings I love the idea of having signature style , unique style and wearing things you love. I suppose that I love this subject because like Diana Vreeland I am a bit of an eccentric. Therefore finding signature special pieces to make your wardrobe fun and reflect your own style. I've chosen some fun pieces here , shop enjoy and find what's unique about your style .

CIAO FOR NOW JANDREW

Diana Vreeland, eccentric, elegant, fashion icon, harpers bazaar, personal style, style, vogue

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