"Exaggeration is my only reality."
- Diana Vreeland
Last Thursday night I attended the DIANA VREELAND THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL documentary at the Angelika Film Center. I just want to begin by saying if you have any interest in the history of Fashion, GO SEE THIS FILM. Put together by her estate, the film includes several family photos, past interviews, and commentary that includes her two sons. Vreeland was full of witty remarks and exaggerated advice and I think that's what made her so special. She understood the epic power that Fashion had over everyone. One can easily grasp how enchanting and charismatic a woman she was. You leave with a sense that you got a chance to know the real Diana Vreeland and a sadness that you didn't get to meet her in person.
The film chronicles her entire life from her birth in Paris to her consulting days at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Vreeland is so important because she wasn't just a Fashion editor, she was the Fashion editor, defining the role as we know it. She had a vision of modern beauty that was unique for her time. Watching the film, I couldn't help but wish she was my slightly eccentric grandmother who would often say inappropriate things and let me skip school to hang out at the Vogue offices. Instead of prom, she'd insist I attend the Costume Institue Gala in haute couture. Oh, I'm getting carried away again...
I will definitely be purchasing THE MOVIE ON DVD to add to my collection and watch it any time I feel like I need a Fashion pick me up. After the film, my night was completed by the best cup of hot chocolate I've ever had. Great movie and great hot chocolate. It was quite a perfect evening.