A look at the life and work of the influential fashion editor of Harpers Bazaar, Diana Vreeland.
A more reflective look at fashion journalism than 2009’s The September Issue (which followed Vogue’s current editor Anna Wintour), this documentary is likely to appeal to those with a serious interest in the industry. However, there’s no denying the similarities beween the two films, although it appears that when it comes to formidable fashion editors, Diana Vreeland got there first.
Suitably stylish.
The tone may never be anything other than celebratory, but a few (respectfully) dissenting voices mean that her flaws aren’t completely airbrushed out of the picture.
It's a mine of pop-cultural history, but the unswervingly generous assessment of her achievements and permanently arch vocal style become a little wearying.
With whimsy and wit to match the woman herself, this documentary transcends stereotype to celebrate a complex, vibrant and influential figure.
Bursting with insights and a droll sense of the absurd side of fashion, it's a fitting tribute to one of the industry's key figures.
Film-maker Lisa Immordino Vreeland (wife of Diana's grandson) pays her subject full due without beatifying her: the flaws are acknowledged along with the flair. And in Vreeland's dramatic vocal delivery she's on to a winner.
It's informative and not uncritical, touching as it does in an affectionate manner on her authoritarian personality and her somewhat cavalier attitude towards matters of fact and the history of fashion.
There’s tons of grande dame style here, but the lack of substance gets a little exasperating.
Star of the show, as ever, is Vreeland herself, whose taped interviews with her biographer and appearances on chat shows show her to be a true original.
Lisa Immordino Vreeland, director of Diana Vreeland: The Eye Must Travel
Diana Vreeland: five things you need to know about the Oscar Wilde of fashion
Diana Vreeland: 'The Empress of fashion'
Lisa Immordino Vreeland: 'Diana was a feminist without realising it'
Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Friday September 21, 2012, until Sunday September 30, 2012. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com
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