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)

Doutzen Kroes for Muse F/W 2011/2012 by Lachlan Bailey.

Doutzen Kroes graces one of the Muse F/W 2011/2012 covers lensed by Lachlan Bailey.

Zuzanna Bijoch for Fashion Magazine Fall 2011 by Zuza Krajewska & Bartek Wieczorek.

Zuzanna Bijoch stars on the Fashion Fall 2011 cover lensed by Zuza Krajewska & Bartek Wieczorek.

“Stadtgespräch”: Valerija Kelava, Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, and Isabel Hickmann for Vogue Germany September 2011 by Knopefel & Indlekofer.

Models Valerija Kelava, Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, and Isabel Hickmann wear Chanel, Givenchy, Miu Miu, Gucci, Prada, and more in “Stadtgespräch” for in Vogue Germany September 2011 photographed by Knopefel & Indlekofer.

Iris Strubegger for ROCCOBAROCCO Fall 2011 Ad Campaign by Mert & Marcus

Carine Roitfeld for I-D Magazine Fall 2011 by Terry Richardson

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BOOK BY RIZZOLI

"An extraordinary monograph created by Christian Louboutin, renowned for his beautifully crafted handmade shoes, in particular his elegantly sexy stilettos. This stunning volume, with a fanciful and intricate pop-up, an elaborate foldout cover, and dramatic still-life photography, evokes the artistry and theatricality of Louboutin's shoe designs.
Celebrated for his vertiginously high stilettos with their signature lacquer-red soles, Louboutin has achieved cult status with celebrities as well as fashionistas. His eclectic and exotic designs, often incorporating feathers, beads, and sequins, are a constant and dramatic presence on the red carpet and in nightclubs and restaurants the world over.
Louboutin's first book, this monograph highlights the extraordinary range of his couture, from his iconic and glamorous creations to his fetishistic pieces, including his collaborations with David Lynch, meant more for the bedroom than the street. New photography captures Louboutin's artistic sensibilities, while an in-depth interview reveals Louboutin's life, travels, and inspirations, presenting a very personal look at the man behind the shoes.
A work of art in itself, with a five-piece foldout binding and a pop-up, Christian Louboutin is an enticing and revelatory look at the most important luxury shoe designer of our day.
The book is divided into six chapters. The first chapter covers Louboutin's biography, his start as a designer from his work for Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent to his first boutique in 1992, and his early creations and influences illustrated with many never-seen-before photos from his personal archives; chapter two features the Louboutin boutiques around the world showcasing the varied and extravagant interior designs and displays; chapter three is "20 years of design" and highlights his shoe designs from over the years with all-new still-life photography, as well as editorial art; chapter four features the spectacular interiors of Louboutin's homes in Paris and Luxor, Egypt, and behind-the-scenes shots from his studios and workshops; chapter five focuses on his creative collaborations with David Lynch, of a series called "Fetish," of limited-edition shoes by Louboutin and limited-edition photos by Lynch; chapter six is a complete catalogue raisonne of his work, with photos of all 120 shoe designs."
Available on October 25, 2011.
Source: Sandiinthecity

Daphne Guiness at Alexander McQueen's Memorial Tribute

When I was watching 'McQueen and I,' towards the end of the documentary, Daphne Guiness appeared in this outfit and she was having a kind of a breakdown that was truly full of passion. I felt her grief. And she still manages to look Poise and Elegant amongst all these elegant grotesquerie. She wore a vintage McQueen dress with teeteringly high black platform boots from his Autumn/Winter 09 collection.