The modern concept of what fashion is would not be understood without the influence exerted in the 20th century by Diana Vreeland, columnist and editor of Harper's Bazaar (1936-1972) and editor-in-chief of Vogue (1962-1971). She also served as exhibition curator at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Ultimately, the birthplace of the MET Gala. Diana was the mirror in which years later Anne Wintour would look at herself.
His name is back in the news because it has been reported that his son Frederick Vreeland passed away in Rome on January 25 at the age of 98. Like his mother, his life was more than fascinating.
He studied at exclusive boys' boarding schools and while at Yale University, it seems that he was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to work as a spy in several countries. His elegant demeanor, exquisite education, and social skills made him a key figure in serving his country.
His odyssey began in 1952 in Geneva and later in Berlin, Bonn, Paris, Rome, and Marrakech, where he built a formidable 1,100 square meter house. In Morocco, he became close with a brother of King Hassan II, with whom he played polo with a horse paid for by the CIA.
His memoirs, filled with countless anecdotes reflecting the new society created after the end of World War II, are valuable material that also portrays the international jet set of the time.
For example, Aga Khan IV, the discoverer of the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, was upset with Frederick because he had built a mansion that clashed with the architectural style of the most exclusive development.
One of the great historical events links him to John F. Kennedy, as Vreeland was the author of the famous phrase "Ich bin Ein Berliner" ("I am a Berliner") that the president uttered in his historic speech in Berlin on June 26, 1963.
Frederick's connection with the Kennedys was inherited from his mother, a close friend of the politician and intimate with Jackie, whom he advised on her public image to turn her into a fashion icon. The editor was the one who introduced her to designer Igor Cassini, who was also one of the main fashion designers for Grace Kelly.
As revealed in a profile by The New York Times, Frederick Vreeland's covert roles as a diplomat and spy were related to the United States Mission to the United Nations and the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. His covert activities included gathering intelligence reports by attending numerous dinners, banquets, and balls, and recruitment, for which he was authorized to make substantial cash payments.
According to Tim Weiner, former national security correspondent for The New York Times, Frederick loved to "move in high society," it was his specialty as a spy. His elegant background made him the CIA's reliable contact with the rich and famous: politicians, financiers, influential people. Useful people.
Vreeland was married three times. The first to poet Elizabeth Breslauer, which ended in divorce; the second to artist Vanessa Somers, who passed away in 2015, and the third to Sandra Zwollo.
His only living son is Nicholas Vreeland, a Tibetan Buddhist monk, he has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.