The Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology (MFIT) in New York City recently held their annual Fashion Symposium. The symposiums' opening lecture was an exclusive and rare discussion with the astonishing Daphne Guinness, led by Dr. Valerie Steele. It was a once in a lifetime occasion. The two dynamic women discussed Guinness' love for men's tailoring, heavy metal garments, classic dresses and suits as well as the intricate detail-oriented pieces currently on display at MFIT.
The contemporary exhibit pieced together by the extraordinary Dr. Valerie Steele, Director and Chief curator of MFIT, is the result of this unique collaboration with Daphne Guinness. The showcase offers a glimpse into the wardrobe of the most impeccably dressed, vivacious and epic fashion icons of the world, displaying nearly 100 garments and accessories hand chosen from Guinness' personal couture collection.
Speaking with Guinness, I couldn't help but stare at her unique, one-of-a-kind baubles heavily weighing down her arms. She wrapped a blue velvet ribbon around her wrist with stacked cuffs made of diamonds. She had the most unusual silver metal finger armor art with a freshly manicured coat of sparkly royal blue nail polish. Guinness balanced ever so carefully in her staple piece Alexander McQueen silver heel-less shoes that towered ten inches in height. I was impressed. Her wardrobe for the day consisted of grey vertical striped tights with a fitted black dress designed by Guinness herself and a heritage ruffled collar on top pulled together with bright blonde and black striped hair up-do.
On top of having epic style, she carries herself with an elegant poise, confidence and laughter that is contagious. Daphne is also very dedicated to charitable causes. She will frequently donate pieces from her personal wardrobe to be auctioned off for charity fundraising, another reason we all love her!
"In order for something to mean something, you have to part with the things you love," said Daphne.
This must see exhibit is on display at MFIT through Jan 7, 2012.