2. .....
Elegant, original, outspoken, fearless. Diana Vreeland was
a diva of 20th-century fashion. First as an editor at Harp-
er’s Bazaar, then as editor-in-chief of Vogue, Vreeland cre-
ated fashion for five decades, from the 1930s right up until
her death in the 1989. Known for her outrageous pronounce-
ments on style, beauty, and life, Vreeland broke fashion rules
and established new ones. ``I hate to do anything second,’’
she once said. She drew inspiration from cultures around
the world: ``Pink is the navy blue of India.’’ She embraced
the youth culture of 1960s: ``Blue jeans are the greatest
invention since the gondola.’’ Most of all, she demanded true
beauty: ``Without emotion there is no beauty.’’
Though she lived for luxury, Vreeland maintained a very
practical streak. Raised by her American parents in opulent
Paris at the beginning of the century, Vreeland went to work
in the late 1930s because she needed the paycheck: ``
You can’t have worked the number of years I have without being
basically practical.’’ It was Vreeland who introduced ballet slip-
pers and other flat-soled shoes as everyday footwear for American
women. And it was Vreeland who suggested that women’s clothes
be made with pockets to eliminate the need for cumbersome hand-
bags.
The life of Vreeland, according to Vreeland herself, is the sub-
ject of “Full Gallup,” a one woman broadway hit now playing at
the Zachary Scott Theatre Center starring Austin actress Karen
Kuykendall. The play will run through April 11.
And what if Vreeland were to visit Austin today? Where would she
go? Most importantly, what would she wear?
With a little help from St. Thomas boutique at the Arboretum, we
found some up-to-date styles that wouls complement Vreeland’s
outspoken personality. We photographed Kuykendall wearing
these outfits and Vreeland’s signature Japanese geisha-inspired
make-up and hair-- on a jaunt around Austin.
GATEWAY III
3. .....
(Captions)
On location at Green Pastures. Actress, Karen Kuykendall wearing a
Layered organza cutaway gown with handkerchief rolled hem and
beaded detail by Stephen Yearick ($2318). Austrian crystal earrings
($228) and rhinestone bangle bracelets ($148).
GATEWAY III
