The Eye Has To Travel

Diana Vreeland, for those who don't know, was a legendary Fashion Editor and innovator of the 20th century. She began working for Harper's Bazaar under Carmel Snow in the 1930s, writing a column called Why don't you.... Eventually she became Editor in Chief and created some of the most iconic fashion images, probably, in history. She discovered and used models like Lauren Bacall, Cher and Penelope Tree. All unusual looking, Vreeland made their "flaws" beautiful features. It made for much more interesting images than the "cookie cutter" gorgeous model. I think we can all take a leaf from this book,  as the saying goes, out flaws are our assets. 

Vreeland had a fresh and very modern creative way of thinking this, mixed with amazing photographers like Richard Avedon, ended in editorials and images that I don't think we would even see today. It was almost always about excess, 20 feet wigs, hundred of clothes and accessories for one shoot- it was all very of the moment. That 60's into the early 70's time frame is so inspiring. It was an age of freedom and prosperity so the creativity that came out feels still quite relevant to me 40 years on.

Her documentary is called "The Eye Has To Travel". I think this is so relevant to anyone in any creative sector, your work will be so much better if you know about different area not just your own. So fashion from fashion is probably not going to be as good as fashion from music, travel, art or dance. For me, original ideas come more freely when I have looked at a different sources of inspiration. It is such good practise to learn about new things. Of course not everyone can physically travel all the time (wouldn't it be nice to be able to) but reading and watching new things is just as good, especially if your stuck in a rut.

Anna