Daphne Guinness at FIT

Two weeks ago I went to preview Daphne Guinness’ exhibition at the FIT Museum. Approximately 100 garments and accessories from her personal collection are on display, completed by films, videos, images and a very beautiful hologram.

Alexander McQueen catsuit and cape, Massaro navy satin and rhinestones platform shoe

After checking in I made my way downstairs into the exhibition which is spread out over two rooms. In the middle of the first room a catsuit and cape by Alexander McQueen set the mood. Walking around the mannequin, some of Daphne’s most ravishing shoes are displayed in glass cases. Between those cases photo slide shows give you the first idea of the creativity that Daphne herself contributes to the projects she works on. At the end of room 1, a video traces her transformation into the style icon she is today.

Daphne's shoe collection at FIT

While I was watching this video the FIT’s PR came downstairs and said something that left me and the people around me guessing. Did she just say Daphne will come downstairs in a few moments? Or did she say Daphne will be upstairs? Nobody seemed sure so I ventured into the second room and thought I’d see what happens in a few minutes.

Inspired by menswear

Inspired by menswear

The pieces are arranged according to the various themes that inspire Daphne’s choices. It starts with menswear and then progresses into evening, day, armour etc. I would say the majority of pieces on show are by Chanel, McQueen and Dior with the occasional Valentino, Alaia, Gareth Pugh, and Hogan thrown in for good measure. It was hardly a surprise that I loved her Chanel pieces the most. But I don’t really want to play favourites here because all pieces were outstanding. I walked around, took photos, watched Tribute to Alexander McQueen which was directed by Daphne, and got mesmerised by the hologram floating in the middle of the room. So mesmerised in fact that I didn’t notice that everybody but the security guards were gone. After finishing up I went upstairs and realised that Daphne had indeed been upstairs to talk to the press but I had missed her. Although I would have loved to hear what she had to say about her own exhibition, I was OK with it. I have seen her in the flesh before when we were on the same flight back to London after the Met Costume Institute Gala in May and I can report that she is tiny and tries hard not to draw attention to herself. I also had the exhibition basically to myself for a while, being snapped out of my fascination only briefly to talk to a female guard who took the opportunity to take a few snaps of the clothes as well.

Unfortunately, I’m not the most talented photographer so we’ll have to make do with whatever my camera could manage:

Azzedine Alaïa black wool jacket

Alexander McQueen jacket with eagle epaulets, black silk taffeta and silver metal (worn over a navy Christian Dior evening dress)

Hogan leather jumpsuit and modified Nina Ricci boots

Alexander McQueen short evening dresses

Alexander McQueen coat dress with grey iridiscent paillettes

Detail: Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel black wool crepe jacket with metallic net and sequins

Alexander McQueen for Givenchy silk satin kimono-style evening dress

Detail: Alexander McQueen evening dress with kimono-style sleeves

Rick Owens sleevesless evening coat with high collar in pale grey silk faille (worn backwards over) over Daphne Guinness short evening coat with silver and black metallic paillette

Alexander McQueen catsuit and cape

Alexander McQueen white sheared fur jacket and grey sequins leggings

Valentino black lace and feathers dress

Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel ivory sequins on silk net jacket with white feathers

Alexander McQueen off white silk chiffon gauze and rhinestones dress, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel ivory silk faille jacket with embroidered stone rim, Alexander McQueen fuchsia sequins leggings

Christian Dior pale pink silk charmeuse dress, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel black silk satin dress with rhinestones

I highly recommend visiting the exhibition. Especially if you’ve been to and liked Savage Beauty. You get a closer look at the garments and how they are made which really makes you appreciate their beauty and the craftsmanship that went into them. There’s nothing like seeing couture up close! Just don’t head straight into the next H&M afterwards. That might make you cry.

The exhibition runs until January 7, 2012 and is open Tuesday-Friday noon – 8pm and Saturday 10am – 5pm but closed Sunday, Monday, and legal holidays. Admission is free and open to the public.