Since the beginning of my career in the fashion industry, one name that I have always heard held in the highest esteem was Diana Vreeland. Vreeland was a legendary editor; first at Harpers Bazaar in 1937, as a collumist-turned-fashion editor; then as Editor -in-Chief of Vogue from 1962-1971. She is one of the most remarkable figures in the industry and is credited with launching the careers of many iconic stars like Edie Sedgwick, playing fashion advisor to then First Lady Jackie-O and for  being the originator of countless trends along the way. Richard Avedon once called her the “only genius fashion editor”.

Vreeland’s anticipated documentary, The Eye Has to Travel, comes out today and to celebrate I compiled 7 of my favorite outspoken quotes from the legendary editor. Enjoy!

“Style– all who have it share one thing: originality.”

“What these magazines gave was a point of view. Most people haven’t got a point of view, they need to have it given to them and what’s more, they expect it from you.”

“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.”

Diana Vreeland with husband Reed Vreeland (foxy!)

“There’s only one very good life, and that’s the one you know you want and you make it yourself.”

“The fashion world changes all the time. You can even feel the approaching revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes.”

“The only real elegance is in the mind, if you’ve got that, the rest really comes from it.”

Vreeland in her famous red apartment

“I wasn’t a fashion editor. I was the one and only fashion editor.”

I am going to see The Eye Has to Travel tonight. Stay tuned for my review later this evening!

-xoxo-

Joy