The Eye Has To Travel: Diana Vreeland

While cutting a bazillion little squares out of fabric down in the studio the other day, I treated myself to a viewing of Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel on Netflix. Those that know me know I love a documentary about anything, but if its fashion, even better. Having worked for several years in the industry, and being obsessed with fashion for most of my life, I have always thought of Diana Vreeland as a true visionary, a tastemaker, and a highly opinionated fashionista.


 
And I’m sure I would have cowered in her presence.
She had a wonderful view of the world, and simply made up what she didn’t know. I love that! She was schooled in classic books instead of traditional university education, and learned exactly and only what it was she wanted to know about any subject and waved away the rest.

 

 
 
 
Vogue pages under her direction and watchful eye were in one word…magical.
 


 

 
 
 
I love learning more about her early days at Vogue and her “Why Don’t You…” column. An instinctual idea she had for a column that became a sensation. (Which is available in book form.)
Why don’t you…
tie an enormous bunch of silver balloons on the foot of your child’s bed on Christmas Eve?
tie black tulle around your wrists?
wear violet velvet mittens with everything?

 
 
My favorite quote from her is:
 “You know the greatest thing is passion, without it what have you got? I mean if you love someone you can love them as much as you can love them but if it isn’t a passion, it isn’t burning, it isn’t on fire, you haven’t lived.”
After watching this wonderful documentary, I am reminded how important it is for each of us to simply be who we are. To make what speaks to us. Ignore those little voices that tell us what we should do or how we should be. How boring life would be if everyone were the same!
Let’s get out there with passion today!
xo,
Blair