One of the main reasons why Diana Vreeland had such distinction in the fashion industry was the column she created in Harper's Bazaar for just over 20 years, 'Why Don't You?'.
The Column comprised a range of ingenious, primitive and often controversial quotes with a slight rhetorical questioning embedded within them - I believe her opinionated nature really emphasised this task and led her into a direction of fascinating opportunities.
Vreeland's talent was certainly a force that dared not to be recognised from the column not just from her consumers but most importantly, her co-workers who waited no longer to appoint her as Fashion Editor of Harper's Bazaar till 1962. Her career traversed over six decades, with major social events and changes including world war two and the sexual revolution. Vreeland was not shy to confront these topics in the magazine, her shocking yet inspiring and innovative thoughts all account to her unforgettable figure today.
Collaborating with leading photographers such as Lillian Bassman, Toni Frissell and Richard Avedon. Ultimately, the pages were reflective of her deep love affair with fashion and an art that would long out stand her presence at Harper's Bazaar.
Her next quest - editor in chief for the glossy pages of Vogue in 1962. She enjoyed the sixties greatly for it's freedom and uniqueness whilst also discovering the 'Youthquaker' fashion model Edie Sedgwick attracting the likes of Andy Warhol. What is interesting to also know from her 'Diana Vreeland Memos: The Vogue Years', is of her communication with her staff, photographers, designers and writers. She did not believe in meetings or brainstorming rather Vreeland would send memos through her phone, have a one-to-one discussion or write letters on a daily basis.
"You shouldn't give people what they want, you should give people what they don't know they want yet"- Diana Vreeland
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