Embracing a Life of Audacity: Lessons from Style Icons

by : Naomi Campbell
Drawing inspiration from Diana Vreeland's iconic 'Why Don't You?' column, this piece, reinterpreted by Bazaar's executive digital director, Lynette Nylander, offers timeless advice on cultivating a life that is stylish, luxurious, and bold. It showcases individuals who masterfully embodied these principles, demonstrating how to seize every moment, exit with elegance, dedicate oneself entirely to one's calling, and courageously challenge conventions.

Unleash Your Inner Icon: Live, Leave, Commit, Defy

Seizing the Present Moment with Unforgettable Style: The Legacy of Jacqueline de Ribes

Countess Jacqueline de Ribes, a paragon of eternal chic, was famed for her effortless ability to blend haute couture with such flair that she was dubbed the 'DJ of fashion.' Her life was a vibrant tapestry of glamour, mingling with luminaries like Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino, yet she fiercely guarded her private world. Her refusal to pen a memoir serves as a poignant reminder: the true richness of life lies in experiencing it authentically, rather than merely documenting it. Embrace the now, live vibrantly, and savor the most exquisite moments in cherished secrecy.

Mastering the Art of the Grand Exit: Tiina Laakkonen's Journey Beyond Retail Success

Tiina Laakkonen, a former model and proprietor of the celebrated Tiina the Store in Amagansett, achieved significant success through her meticulously curated collection of artisanal goods. At the peak of her store's popularity in 2023, she made the unexpected decision to close it, choosing instead to embark on new adventures, including travels to Japan and a renewed focus on personal joys like reading and spending time with loved ones. Her story exemplifies the wisdom of departing gracefully when at the top, leaving room for future creative inspirations to ignite.

Embracing Extravagance: Marie-Hélène de Rothschild's Legendary Themed Galas

Marie-Hélène de Rothschild, celebrated as 'the hostess with the mostest' by The New York Times, was renowned for her lavish and imaginative parties, often hosted at her family's magnificent Château de Ferrières. Her 1972 surrealist ball, famously attended by Salvador Dalí, featured avant-garde décor and attracted illustrious guests like Audrey Hepburn, who arrived with a birdcage adorning her head. De Rothschild herself made a stunning entrance dressed as a fallen stag. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to her grand visions ensured her talents were beyond question, solidifying her status as a true entertainer.

Transcending Barriers and Shaping a Legacy: The Enduring Spirit of Carmen de Lavallade

Carmen de Lavallade, an iconic dancer and choreographer who lived to be 94, courageously navigated the racial prejudices of the 1950s and 60s to become a revered artist. Her career began with pioneering modern choreographer Lester Horton, led her to become one of the first Black prima ballerinas at the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, and included significant collaborations with Alvin Ailey. Known for her captivating stage presence and stunning crimson attire, de Lavallade's life story is a powerful testament to perseverance, artistic integrity, and maintaining profound style throughout a lifetime of achievement