Style Icon Daphne Guinness -“What draws me to fashion is art, and certainly not fashion as status symbol.”
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n order for a look to become fashionable, to make a move off the runway onto the streets, it has to be worn by individuals with vast personal style. Daphne Guinness; heiress of the Guinness family and London native, truly embodies the image of rarified personal style. She is a serious collector of couture fashions, and a vital creative force in her own. Her individualism and eccentric appeal, is at the heart of what she represents. Guinness has an enormous respect for fashion, but in particular, the art of fashion. It has been considered that fashion has rarely been given the respect as a true “collection” of art, or any form of a “collectible” item. As for Guinness, she’s views fashion in a different light. Every item she owns is a reflection of her knowledge and the respect she has for fashion. Her wardrobe includes many of the most fabulous haute couture looks by some of the greatest designers of our time, and even cutting-edge garments by talented young designers. In 1994, she was named to the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame. Personally, I would love to take a peek in her closet. Guinness has inspired many couture designers such as Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino, Dior, and more. She brings clothes to life, and actually creates a look that
affects the way other people dress and/or think about dressing. In honor of her curtail role in fashion, FIT created a museum that showcases her most notorious pieces from her wardrobe. From her eight inch heals, to her signature black and silver hair, and her ravishing diamonds, you can see first hand all of her most fearless looks. Her exhibit will showcase from September 16th -January 7th 2012. For more information visit www.fitnyc.edu. Some of her styles include: Dandyism-a term devoted to Daphne’s “absolute passion for men’s clothesespecially crisp white shirts and tailored jackets, Armor, Chic (little black dress), Evening Chic (structure), Exoticism (represents her liking for sartorial drama), and Sparkle. In today’s time, we often refer to a “Style Icon” as some tabloid frenzy celebrity, a new pop singer, even someone who represents an image that’s considered ideal or “in style”. What about style that embarks inspiration to each individual? We as “individuals” should take time out to notice what actually style is. Instead of getting the same bag in the same color just like your best friend has; along with 22 other people you know, shopping at the same stores, spending money all to look identical to the girl next to you, instead, find something that captures who you are. Wear something that represents your personality. Be unique, it’s most attractive. How about purchasing a stunning vintage item? Or try designing your own dress next time you have a party to go to? Think outside of what’s “in style.” Create your own style! Hey, it just might inspire others.