Sick City Windows

“What draws me to fashion is art… and certainly not fashion as status symbol” -Daphne Guinness

Seldom does the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology honor style icons so I was estatic to find out that their current exhibition pays due homage to the über fashionable Daphne Guinness. The Guinness family heiress inducted into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame in 1994 is an inspiration to designers and fashionistas alike, and a serious collector of haute couture; having purchased the late Isabella Blow’s wardrobe in its entirety to preserve it, as if the collection is a posthumous extension of the muse.

On view until January 7, the exhibit spotlights nearly 100 extraordinary pieces of Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, and Valentino from her personal collection grouped together according to the icon’s personal tastes and predilection for dandyism, armor, chic, evening chic, exoticism, and sparkle. And preceding the Guinness garbed mannequins, in its own enclave are on display Daphne’s sickkk shoe and accessories collaborations with Nina Ricci, Christian Louboutin, Shaun Leane, and Philip Treacy. Also showcased are Guinness videos, “The Phenomenology of the Body (which explores the politics of clothing), Mnemosyne (which was inspired by her perfume), and Tribute to Alexander McQueen…” (Fine, Cherie, Daphne Guinness Exhibition). 

The highly edited, extremely opulent, immensely inspiring exhibit is definitely worth your visit, so if you’re in the Chelsea neighborhood be sure to pop in; the intimate display takes no more than a half hour of your time and costs nothing!

Unfortunately pictures were not allowed inside the museum so here are some shots of Daphne Guinness:

Images courtesy of Vogue, Inspiration Crave & Style.com