DAPHNE GUINESS BOOK!

“She is one of the—if not the—most stylish women living,” says designer and film director Tom Ford, speaking of Daphne Guinness, the subject and co-author of this extraordinary book. From her platinum-and-black striped hair to her towering 10-inch heels, her to-die-for couture collection and amazing diamond jewelry, Daphne Guinness embodies the rarified, personal style of a true fashion icon. A designer, editor, model, muse, and stylist, Ms. Guinness is renowned for the way she uses fashion to transform herself. As her friend, the art historian John Richardson puts it: “She is the object of her own creativity. Her persona is her own masterpiece.”

Style icon Daphne Guinness, as pictured in her new book from Yale

Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, Valentino, Azzedine Alaia, and the late Alexander McQueen are among the many great fashion designers whose spectacular garments form part of Daphne Guinness's personal collection of haute couture. But Ms. Guinness is far more than a great couture client, she is also an inspiration to designers because of her fearless personal style. In an extended interview with the curator and fashion historian Valerie Steele, Daphne Guinness explains the origins and characteristics of her style. She also discusses her friendships and collaborations with other creative fashion personalities from the late Isabella Blow to the photographer Steven Klein and the jeweler Shaun Leane. Sumptuously illustrated with both high-fashion photographs and paparazzi shots, the book is a spectacular showcase for the world of Daphne Guinness.
Valerie Steele is director and chief curator of The Museum at FIT, New York. Daphne Guinness is prominent in the fashion world as a fashion icon, journalist and collector of haute couture.  Her exhibit at FIT runs from September 16- January 7, 2012.  The book is now available for pre-order on amazon.com. (Sandiinthecity)

Daphne Guinness in her new book by Valerie Steele

In an extended interview with the show’s curator, fashion historian Valerie Steele, Daphne Guinness explains the origins and characteristics of her style. She also discusses her friendships and collaborations with other creative fashion personalities from the late Isabella Blow to the photographer Steven Klein and the jeweller Shaun Leane. Sumptuously illustrated with both high-fashion photographs and paparazzi shots, the book is a spectacular showcase for the world of a true style icon.

The Daphne Guinness exhibition at the Museum, FIT runs from 16 September 2011 to 17 January 2012.
Daphne Guinness, the accompanying book by Valerie Steele is available now from Yale University Press.
The Life of a Fashion Muse
Daphne Guinness was born in 1967, the daughter of brewery heir, Jonathan Guinness and French beauty, Suzanne Lisney. Her paternal grandmother was Diana Mitford, one of the legendary Mitford sisters. In 1987, at the age of nineteen, Daphne married Spyros Niarchos. After her divorce in 1999, Daphne resumed her maiden name, and over the past decade has emerged on the world’s stage an extraordinary fashion creature.
Designers may be responsible for the latest fashion trends, but they do not create in isolation. Although designers propose new looks, in order for something to become fashionable, to move off the runway and into real life, it has to be taken up by various fashion insiders, including editors, photographers, retailers, and fashion trendsetters.

The fashion or style icon is a special type of fashion insider, someone who is far more than an “early adopter” or celebrity clothes horse. The fashion icon not only inspires fashion designers and validates their clothes, but actually creates a look that affects the way other people dress and/or think about dressing. Michelle Obama, Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Rachel Zoe, Alexa Chung, Carine Roitfeld, and Daphne Guinness are often described as fashion or style icons. When historical figures are included, Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Edie Sedgwick, and Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel are frequently mentioned.

Daphne Guinness in Italian Vogue wearing McQueen's
Armadillo Shoes (also made famous by Gaga).
(image source: nitrolicious.com)

Vanity Fair journalist, A.A. Gill, argued that “[Daphne Guinness] has never had a look, never once, never remotely, that was anyone’s but her very own.” This individualism, often described as eccentricity, is at the heart of Daphne’s appeal. (Yalebooks)