Star Rating:

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel

Directors: Bent-Jorgen Perlmutt, Frederic Tcheng Lisa Immordino Vreelan

Actors: Diana Vreeland

Release Date: Monday 30th November -0001

Genre(s): Documentary

Running time: 86 minutes

More a celebration, a This Was Your Life, than a real documentary, Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel is nonetheless entertaining throughout its slim 86 minutes thanks to the charismatic front lady.

For those who found The September Issue a fascinating watch, this (I'm using 'documentary' for easiness) is Before Anna Wintour There Was Diana Vreeland vibe about it. Vreeland was employed by Harper's Bazaar in the 30s where she rose to prominence because of her studied eye - she discovered Lauren Bacall when she put her in front of a camera – and her revolution of the style section. Frustrated with the lack of recognition from her bosses, and their refusal to give her a raise befitting her contribution, Vreeland jumped ship to Vogue in 1962 where fashion photography changed forever. Vreeland would be an advocate of accentuating what would have been deemed up until then as a model's flaws: big noses and freckles were now front and centre.

Later, as an advisor to the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum Of Art, she at the centre of a furore when for the first time ever space was given to a living designer. The woman was certainly innovative. This documentary might not be as ground-breaking as its subject matter but it sure is enjoyable.

Cobbled together from various television interviews and the personal tapes from a conversation with her biographer, The Eye Has To Travel covers her life but it can't be described as in-depth. Her family life is glossed over; we get snatches of moments where Vreeland's family discuss what is was like not having their mother around and Vreeland looks awkward when the question of family is put to her. The topic of her being difficult to work for is also brought up but Vreeland is never pressed on this by her interviewers who are content to just smile and marvel at her witty asides, of which there are many. (Although, if I was Diana I'd be a little peeved that the first thing people say when asked to describe her is either 'not beautiful' or 'unconventional looking' or something disparaging. What a wound.)

She's a darling's darling, darling. She was known for her wit 'The best thing about London is Paris' and her bizarre advice: on life she said, 'First thing one is to do is arrange to be born in Paris.' On Hollywood celebrities, 'They were all good friends... I think.' She's so fun and bubbly she makes for engaging viewing.