D.V. [Paperback]

Diana Vreeland (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 19, 2011

“An evening with D.V. is almost as marvelous as an evening with D.V. [herself]—same magic, same spontaneity and, above all, never a boring moment.”
—Bill Blass

D.V. is the mesmerizing autobiography of one of the 20th century’s greatest fashion icons, Diana Vreeland, the one-time fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar and editor-in-chief of Vogue, whose incomparable style-sense, genius, and flair helped define the world of haute couture for fifty years. The incomparable D.V. proves herself a brilliant raconteur as she carries the reader along on her whirlwind life—from English palaces to the nightclubs of Paris in the 1930s to the heart of New York high society, hobnobbing with everyone who was anyone, from Queen Mary to Clark Gable to Coco Chanel.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Gem of an autobiography… The book is filled with dazzling stories of style, society and success. Plus, poignant life lessons we can all learn from--even if most of us aren’t decked out in Prada.” (Real Simple)

“This title is the best possibility to “meet” the legendary icon of American fashion. It’s not a long book, which makes it the perfect beach read this summer. Your personal style will thank you!” (The Fashion List)

From the Back Cover

Brilliant, funny, charming, imperious, Diana Vreeland—the fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar and editor-in-chief of Vogue—was a woman whose passion and genius for style helped define the world of high fashion for fifty years. Among her eclectic circle of friends were some of the most renowned and famous figures of the twentieth century—artists and princes, movie stars and international legends, including Chanel, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Isak Dinesen, Clark Gable, and Swifty Lazar.

Moving from English palaces to the nightclubs of 1930s Paris, the wilds of Wyoming to the exclusive venues of New York high society, D.V. takes readers into this iconic woman's dazzling life, evoking the luxury and brio of an era that encompassed Josephine Baker, England's Queen Mary, Buffalo Bill, and Diaghilev.

Vibrant with the vivid, irresistible voice that elevated every tête-à-tête and dinner party, D.V. brings this renowned and uninhibited raconteur alive, whether recalling herself as a young girl, her search for the perfect red, her piquant observations about her world, or her abhorrence for nostalgia. Like her legacy, Vreeland's story, told in her own words, is a classic to be celebrated by both loyal admirers and a new generation of culture mavens and style savants.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Ecco; Reprint edition (April 19, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006202440X
• ISBN-13: 978-0062024404
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86,046 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Divine Diana Vreeland January 11, 2012

By Haute Literati

Format:Paperback

Diana's voice as a great raconteur comes across the page and hits you in the face. You can hear her rhapsodize every word even though it is just written on paper. The book is in her voice. I believe she dictated the stories that were written to a typist as she spoke. It is slightly difficult to follow but that is what makes it unique. You feel as though Diana is at your dinner table, as she jumps from story to story, anecdote to anecdote. This book does not go into detail over Diana's life there are just little bits of information sprinkled lightly into the text like a light mist. She leaves you with a collection of her over the top stories rather than her autobiography. Why bore you with life when she can wow you with a tale.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful! February 18, 2012

By Raymond A. Souza

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This must be a transcription of conversations, no, monologues, she participated in over a period of time. She describes her life and times in the most incoherent way, floating through the 20th century on a cloud of insane priorities but always winding up having done the right thing. The story is amazing, but more importantly, the book is a joy! I went from the last chapter right back to the first. "Violet, now that's a color!"

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Grand Dame October 10, 2012

By Suzinne Barrett VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Just recently searched out my original paperback (dating back to 1985 after viewing the delightful documentary "The Eye Has to Travel." Diana Vreeland was a visionary when it came to the world of fashion magazines. Her influence started at Harper's Bazaar and reached its crest during her much heralded reign - domination might be more accurate - at Vogue. Admittedly, D.V.'s style is not to everyone's liking, but I've found, and continue to find, her personal opinions and perspective totally intoxicating and revelatory. This book is basically one long monologue that was the culmination of a series of interviews with George Plimpton. Mr. Plimpton was a master at channeling the oral into the written form. (For reference, check out Jean Stein and Mr. Plimpton's highly recommended oral biography of Edie Sedgwick, "Edie: An American Biography"). Putting all veracity aside, D.V.'s tales (some quite tall) will grab you firmly by the head and send it into one delicious spin!

Diana Vreeland was loud and sometimes vulgar, all the while being very colorful and enthusiastic. Or let's say Diana Vreeland was a lot of things, but one thing she never was: boring. High camp and quite entertaining.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not a great Literary Work December 6, 2012

By Paul D. Van Voorhees

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

But, an enjoyable bit of fluff for those of us with an interest in the fashion world, and the Jet Set.

2.0 out of 5 stars Meh June 12, 2013

By maggiewalsh

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I loooove fashion, but this book was meandering, boring and while I know Diana is a dynamic person she isn't coming off that way. She comes across as extremely unrelatable. Not my favorite fashion memoir.

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent conversation with DV April 22, 2013

By Camila

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

it is amazing how easy to read the book is. I t takes you through a long journey of history through the anecdotes and happenings of her life. It really feels like talking to Vreeland herself.

5.0 out of 5 stars DV spectacular April 18, 2013

By Norah.S

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I loved this book. It was like being in a intimate conversation with a legend. DV is charming and inspiring. I've already planned give copies of this book to my sisters and can't wait to read more about this amazing, original glamazon.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous! April 5, 2013

By tmp VINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am 99% sure that most of this is complete fabrication (polishing the soles of your shoes?) but I don't care. Diana Vreeland was a fashion icon who literally changed the way that fashion was done. From putting ethnic models on the pages of Vogue to championing designers who would become legends, she is responsible for the way fashion is reported today. This book is not only a must-have for lovers of fashion, it's the best ride since "Auntie Mame."