Special Cinema Spotlight: Documentary: Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (2011)

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I am not a fashion historian. I am not a fashion diva. I won't lie. But I have always admired those who had a sense of pizzazz when it came to fashion.

I enjoy being creative, being inspired, and inspiring others. I am always curious about people, always trying to understand them, and wrap my mind around why they do the things they do. And Diana Vreeland is one of them.

I am not the girl who swooned over Vogue issues when I was younger but I am beginning to get more excited about fashion thanks to my love for vintage. I figured learning more about Diana Vreeland seemed like a good place to start for some inspiration.

And boy did I get a headful after watching the documentary directed by Vreeland's grandson's wife called The Eye Has To Travel (2011).

Diana Vreeland
Diana Vreeland

The documentary is composed of photos, interviews but those who knew her and worked with her, her family members, and Diana Vreeland herself. Her recordings with the editor of her autobiography D.V. is the real highlight in the film. To hear her thoughts in her own voice just added a dash of special to the film.

Vreeland grew up as the "ugly duckling" as her mother would refer to her and traveled often with her family. She lived an affluent and diverse life. She was born in 1903 in Paris and experienced the growth and blossoming of the 21 Century firsthand.

She married Thomas Vreeland, a banker and had two sons Tim (1925) and Frederick (1927). Vreeland wasn't very talkative about her family life which made me incredibly curious and now I want to know more. She seemed to be one of those people whose family life and emotional life didn't seem to gel with her creative life. And what a life she created for herself in the world of fashion!
Diana Vreeland
Diana Vreeland

She seemed almost like a constant muse filled with inspiration for everyone including herself. I found her to be one of the most likable fashion icons that I have heard about. There are so many fashion icons and celebrities that I just don't feel like what they do has much meaning. But Vreeland's passion for fashion had depth, purpose, and meaning.

Her words resonate and are timeless. For the entire week next week I am going to share inspirational quotes by the exquisite Diana Vreeland on my Instagram starting on Monday. Stop by and get inspired because you cannot walk away from this film without being bedazzling with her life and how she lived it.

If you are interested in learning more about Mrs. Vreeland you can take a peak at these articles:

A Goddess in the Family

The Cult of Diana 

Diana Vreeland's Paper Trail

Diana Vreeland: A Sacred Monster


Here are some books that are available on Mrs. Vreeland:

D.V. by Diana Vreeland

Empress of Fashion: A Life of Diana Vreeland by Amanda Mackenzie Stuart

Diana Vreeland Memos: The Vogue Years by Alexander Vreeland

Allure by Diana Vreeland

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel by Lisa Vreeland

Diana Vreeland: Bazaar Years by John Esten


Have you heard of Diana Vreeland? What do you think about the life she led? Did you see the documentary? If you are interested in seeing it, it is currently available on streamline on Netflix.

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4 comments :

  1. That documentary was great and getting to her Diana's take on certain subjects in it, instead of just people talking about her, made it all the more so. I'd give it at least 4 out of 5 stars - and wish that more contemporary filmmakers would shine the spotlight on yesteryear designers (many of whom are a breed apart from their modern counterparts).

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. I agree Jessica-I give it a 4/5 as well. Fascinating person especially on how she created this existence for herself and how she approached family life as well. xox

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  2. I don't know much about Diana Vreeland but I love how she made a name for herself at a time when women with families didn't often do it. Also I like how she's famous for something other than her looks. Much more interesting than today's fashion industry.

    Sarah

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    1. I so agree with you Sarah! Thank you for the lovely comment! I also appreciate that although she was a creative person she was a typical creative person in that she did have a typical family life although according to her sons she was not the best mother in the world. I really believe in what Oprah once said on her show-a woman cannot have it all at the same time. Something gives, something takes. Ya know? xox

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