book review by Meagan Allison-Hancock
Opening the striking red-lacquered cover of Diana Vreeland, you experience a little bit of awe and admiration — quite the way I imagine you’d feel stepping into Diana Vreeland’s red-lacquered office at Vogue in the 60s. Eleanor Dwight’s biography reveals a lifetime of ambition, creativity, and eccentricity, creating an all-encompassing picture of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland. Dwight isn’t afraid to address Vreeland’s flaws and follies, but always maintains an underlying respect for her formidable subject. She charms the reader with descriptions of Vreeland’s work ethic and the products of her creative mind. There is a certain nostalgia expressed for a time when women were charmed and inspired by Vreeland’s “Why Don’t You…” column at Harper’s Bazaar (“Why don’t you rinse your blonde child’s hair in dead champagne as they do in France?”) and by her lavish and fantastical photo spreads. Her ability to spot potential in a model and to draw out a particular pose or representation of beauty is especially praised.

While the book may be heavy on historical detail, with a tendency toward tangents, this quality also helps to contextualize Vreeland’s role in fashion history and the progress of style since the 30s. Rife with family photographs, illustrations, and portraits of the glamorous players in Vreeland’s personal and professional life, the book is a treasure trove of intimate detail and clues into the mind of one of fashion’s most enduring figures. The chapters on her youth may be dry at times, but they express Vreeland’s growing awareness of the importance of image, and her pivotal decision to carefully cultivate a distinguishing look for herself. Even as a teenager, she was wise enough to understand the implications of image yet not be deterred by her unconventional looks. One of the lasting impressions of this biography is of this very wisdom, and its role in her observations of the fashion world. Compared to trite and fleeting members of the fashion community, Vreeland is naturally ensconced there due to her intuitive understanding of the meaning of style, rather than the superficiality of trend: “A new dress doesn’t get you anywhere; it’s the life you’re living in the dress.”

Surveying her role at Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and later at The Met’s Costume Institute, this biography evokes the passion, drive, and revolutionary eye of a woman who created a prominent place for herself in fashion history. You close the book feeling like you had the chance to know Vreeland, and pine for the days when Vogue really knew how to turn out original and provocative covers and photo shoots.

Diana Vreeland by Eleanor Dwight (HarperCollins, 2002)

It hardly seemed possible, but last night, after months of planning, stress, and shameless self-promotion, the SOL[e]D! party happened. Now, it’s no secret that WORN readers are a stylish bunch, but the steady stream of fabulous that came through the doors at the Bata Shoe Museum to celebrate and support the launch of Issue No. 8. was the stuff of legend. In keeping with the evening’s theme, the collection of footwear was divine, from thigh-high lace-up boots (you know who you are!) to sky-high stilettos and everything in between. Dresses were saucy and hats were haute. The men gave Jon Hamm a run for his money. To every person who attended, thank you for your support, without which this publication would not exist.

When time came for the live auction, the crowd rose to the challenge and intrepid auctioneer Amanda MacDonald handled the room like a pro. Thanks to all of you who bid for helping make our fundraiser a success, and congratulations to all of you who won your bids – you walked away with some really beautiful, one-of-a-kind work. The Shake a Tail DJs capped the night with excellent music and it was great to see all our staff together (especially our senior editors who came from Montreal and New York), celebrating an evening they worked so hard to bring together.

Head of Events Meagan giving the Bata one last look
before opening the doors.

I think I can speak on behalf of staff and supporters alike, I’d like to thank the people who helped make last night possible:

Thank you Meagan Allison-Hancock, for spending the last four months of your life living and breathing this event. No detail was too small for your attention, no email went unsent or phone call uncalled. You were organized and thorough and on top of your game. You bravely (and possibly unwittingly) took on a huge responsibility and never faltered. WORN could not have pulled this off without you.

Thank you Chelsea McBroom, WORN’s Events Intern and Meagan’s right-hand. In conversation with Bata staff last night, the word “dynamo” came up and it was not unqualified. You are one of those rare people who tackles every task with cheerful equanimity, getting things done and never complaining. Working with you is a pleasure.

Finally, thanks to all the WORN staff and contributors who spent the last eight months making The Shoe Issue our best one ever. Despite the pressures of school, work and life, you all put incredible time and effort into producing a really beautiful publication and a wonderful evening.

It might be sheer exhaustion talking, but it’s safe to say I’m feelin’ the love.

Your Editor-in-Pants,
Serah-Marie McMahon

Managing Editor Gwen setting up before the party started.