This week I had the privilege of attending a book signing and slide talk on the recently published book, Diana Vreeland Memos. It was an absolutely amazing experience to listen to Diana's grandson, Nicholas, and great-grandson, Reed, talk about their personal relationships with Diana, expressing details of her extravagant taste and enthusiastic personality.
[Taken from GirlsdoFilm.wordpress]
Renowned as one of the most creative and fascinating editors of Vogue magazine and founder of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Exhibition, Diana rocked the publication of Vogue to a very new and innovative state. Her inspiration came from everywhere, and she was especially noted for creating articles and photography that readers of Vogue had never seen before, including inspiration drawn from the "youthquake" of the 1960s. Her genius took Vogue readers on journeys to the lands of Bali, Tahiti, and Japan; creating a new experience for it's audience when picking up the magazine. Everything from the color coral, to the color gray, to a list of extinct animals, to gypsys, to futuristic ensembles, was squeezed into every biweekly issue of Vogue at the time. Diana created not only a fashion magazine, but a magazine of culture and perspective. A magazine that sold "hope."
The fascinating thing about the Memos is that besides the small introduction pages of each section (as seen above), the entire book consists of photocopies of all of Diana's memos within the office at Vogue. Diana did not hold meetings during her time as editor, rather, she gave out memos to all of her staff, designers, and photographers, dictating exactly what she wanted for the magazine.
Some screen caps from the Youtube Video I created on this event...
[Yes, that is the Cristobal Balenciaga]
It's actually so cool that the entire book is basically her word, it's a very unique way of telling her story.
Nicholas and Reed were able to share some fun anecdotes about Diana, and expressed that her quirkiness was a trait both at work and at home. It was clear that they both truly idolize their grandmother in a very special way, for they really admired her love for life and originality.
Finally, I was able to get my book (and Marissa's copy) signed by Reed and asked him, "What would Diana's advice be to an aspiring fashion journalist?"
His answer....
Extremely accurate to say the least.
I made a video (for a class project) on this event, and it is up on Vimeo!
A brilliant book and one of the coolest publications I've ever seen!
"And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything"
[As You Like It 2.1]
Cheers, x
No comments:
Post a Comment