INSPIRATION: For style icon Diana Vreeland, too much good taste was “boring” — she advocated “vulgarity.” As editor of Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, Mrs. Vreeland accessorized her black lacquered hair and manicured red nails with oversized gauche jewellery and animal prints. She rarely entered the offices before noon, fired off audaciously quotable aphorisms (“pink is the navy blue of India”) and is credited for inventing the role of fashion editor. (“Before her,” said famed photographer Richard Avedon, “it was society ladies who put hats on other society ladies.”)

Mrs. Vreeland’s reign began with her infamous “Why Don’t You…?” column in Harper’s Bazaar. From 1936-1941, her witty fashion dictates dared women to be experimental in their personal style (“Why don’t you… tie black tulle bows on your wrists?”). So, why don’t you… wear a hat with exotic feather trim? “Jana” hat, $200. Lilliput Hats (www.lilliputhats.com, 462 College, 416-536-5933).

 

 

“All my life I’ve pursued the perfect red,” the former editor-in-chief of Vogue once said of her favourite colour. Her Park Avenue apartment had an entirely red living room dubbed the “garden in hell” for its red carpeting and a scarlet chintz centre­piece sofa. Snakeskin belt, $55. I Miss You (63 Ossington, 416-916-7021).

 

When Mrs. Vreeland’s health worsened in the late 1980s, she secluded herself in the bedroom and refused to let anyone see her. So when invited guests like Oscar de la Renta or Jacqueline Onassis came over for dinner, she’d call them on the dining room’s telephone for evening conversation. Black PB Grand Phone, $79. Pottery Barn (www.potterybarn.com, 100 Bloor W., 416-962-2276).

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