WIFE Interview: Dianne Vavra

Dianne Vavra is another woman who deserves to earn the title of ‘Wife who can do it all.’ Dianne began working for Dior in 1998 and has grown into her position as Vice President of Dior Beauty. Within her years there she has taken the label from a number 12 ranked brand to number 1. In addition to running a luxury beauty brand, tending to her 21 year marriage and being a mom of two, she is also a legendary instagram photographer (DIANNEVAVRA). Anyone can find daily inspiration in her posts from the newest colors at Dior Beauty to her latest vintage finds. Below she tells THE WIFE about fishing for shellfish in East Hampton with her kids, which Dior products are her favorite and why Paris is always a good idea – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR MARRIAGE SO FAR? 

Don’t sweat the small stuff (I’m actually going on 21 years).

FAVORITE FAMILY TRADITION? 

Each summer, my family gets together for The Great Vavra Crab-off. My parents have a house near the beach and we pick teams. Each team takes a dock and we spend the day catching blue claws with our traps, drop lines and nets. It’s great family bonding time. We cook them up that night. It’s fantastic.

FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE YOUR KIDS?

My kids adore the beach and we spend lots of long lazy summer days at the ocean in East Hampton, collecting shells and beach glass.

FAVORITE DISCOVERY?

I’m a big vintage shopping fan, so my favorite discovery is a vintage shop in Northport, Long Island, called Somewhere in Time. Stepping in this shop with all it’s twisting, turning rooms packed floor to ceiling with cases of jewelry, accessories, decor, clothing and furniture, is a dream. I can only go when I have a few hours to spare.

WHAT’S ON YOUR DESK?

A signed photo of me and my daughter, Eve, given to me by the legendary New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, tons of beauty products that I’m testing, and a sticky note from my son, Tom, saying “I love you, Mommy, have a happy day.”

WHAT IS YOUR SOURCE OF INSPIRATION?

The world around me. I think in this day and age, we are so focused on our technology, we forget to take a moment to look out the window.

HOW DO YOU RELAX?

I get a monthly facial. It’s the most relaxing hour ever. I doze off for  about 15 minutes and it feels like it’s been hours.

FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD?

Paris, The French are so chic and carefree.

FAVORITE HOTEL?

Plaza Athenee

TRAVEL MUST HAVES?

Travel must haves? A neck pillow, hydrating face mask, lip balm and a stack of International magazines.

NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT? 

I love the Four Season Hotel Garden Restaurant in NYC. Best food and most welcoming staff. People say it’s my “Cheers.”

LIPSTICK COLOUR? 

Dior’s Diorific in DIVA, which I joke was named after me (DI -anne  VA- vra) because I love it so much.

MASCARA?

 I love DiorShow Mascara, and for special events or vacations I rely on eyelash extensions.

FLOWERS TO FILL YOUR HOME?

Hydrangea from the garden.

FAVORITE DESIGNER?

Aside from Dior, I love Givenchy, Carven and Isabel Marant.

MOST FREQUENTLY WORN ITEM?

Anita Ko rose gold pyramid studs. I’ve worn them every day for three years straight!

FAVORITE FALL PURCHASE? 

A vintage leopard jacket with 3 quarter sleeves and long black leather gloves.

FASHION ICON?

Catherine Deneuve

ONE THING EVERY WOMEN SHOULD OWN?

 A really chic trench.