 |
| Smoke, smoke that Ciggie in her office. Courtesy photo |
DIANA VREELAND -
“I HAVE TO BE NOTICED!”
Born as Diana Dalziel in Paris. She
married Thomas Reed Vreeland. He died in 1966. Here is some Background. Diana
Vreeland was the eldest daughter of American socialite mother Emily Key Hoffman
and British father Frederick Young Dalziel. Hoffman was a descendant of George
Washington’s brother as well as a cousin of Francis Scott Key. Diana was also a
distant cousin of Pauline de Rothschild. Vreeland has one sister, Alexandra
(1907-1999). She married Sir Alexander Davenport Kinlock. 12th
Baronet (1982). Hey, maybe I’m one of those “Baronets” – you never know, maybe
I was the 13th Baronet.
The Vreelands moved to Albany, NY
and raised their two sons. Then they moved to Regent’s Park, London. Diana
operated a lingerie business near Berkeley Square. Some of the clients included
Wallis Simpson and Mona Williams. Not to - be missed was Diana – as she was one
of fifteen American women presented to King George V and Queen Mary at
Buckingham Palace on May 18, 1933. Diana and her husband left England for New
York – where they lived for the remainder of their lives. In the movie that is
now playing “The Eye Has to Travel” is on screens around the World. She went to
work for Harper’s Bazaar in 1937. Not as a designer but a Fashion Editor.
Vreeland tracked down Actress
Lauren Bacall in the nineteen forties. In the movie/documentary, you will see
on the Harpers’s Bazaar cover the picture of Lauren Bacall posing near a Red
Cross office. It was Vreeland’s decision. She said: – “ It is an extraordinary
photograph in which Bacall is leaning against the outside door of a Red Cross
blood donor station. She wears a chic suit, gloves, a cloche and long waves of
hair falling from it.” Vreeland took fashion seriously. Here is one of her takes
about swimwear – “The Bikini is the most important thing since the atom bomb!”
She detested “Strappy high heel shoes.” If she thought that was bad – she would
have hated today’s half naked people running around on the street. The dresses
today hardly hide the Butt.
Vreeland’s new apartment in New
York was painted in gaudy red. Bill Baldwin decorated her apartment. Diana
said: - “I want this place to look like a garden, but a garden in hell!” Well-
she sure hit the spot on that – at least the hell part. There was another room
– a Kitchen. It is said that the maid didn’t show up one day. And Diana had to
go into the Kitchen. She opened the door – and screamed – “Oh My God – it’s
white!” She quickly left the pots and pans. And, probably sent someone to bring
her some food from outside.
Vreeland was also portrayed in the
film ‘Infamous’ (2006). And she was portrayed in the film ‘Factory Girl’ (2006)
– and now showing is her life in the fantastic document: Diana Vreeland:The Eye
Has to Travel(2012).
She was lauded in an article about
social climbing in The New Yorker. And she should know! She said: “ I Moved to
New York because I have to be seen!” There was a 1964 film (Who Are You, Polly
Maggo?). The film director confirmed the outrageous character was based on
Vreeland. In the 1941 musical “Lady in the Dark” by (Moss Hart, Kurt Weill and
Ira Gershwin) - the character of Alison Du was based on Vreeland.
Yes, she was a little high faluting,
but an amusing and entertaining personality. She was high on the list of
“American Fasionistas.” Not only was she the editor of Harper’s Bazaar, she
also worked as fashion editor at ‘Vogue’. And, oh yes – she was also the head
of the glamorous costumes department at the Metropolitan Museum.
As you can see in the picture – her
offices were almost as cluttered as her apartment was. Yes – she was
“Important” – and she lets you know with remarks like this one: - “Look. You
have to tell people. No one wants to do it themselves-they want direction and
to follow a leader!” – and she was good at giving everyone directions.
“This movie is a master movie that
is all about being the Star of the Big City. And it is hugely enjoyable. I
would not pass up this screen goddess. I plan to see it again!”
NOW PLAYING AT THE EMBARCARDO THEATER
AND OTHER VENUES AROUND THE WORLD.
RATING: FOUR BOXES OF POPCORN!!!!
(highest rating) –trademarked-
(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed
many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he produced
and hosted a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))
SCROLL DOWN FOR PREVIOUS STORIES
No comments:
Post a Comment