Daphne Guinness Auction: A Peek Inside The Closet Of A Stylish Eccentric

It's not every day that the public is offered a glimpse into the closet of one of the fashion world's most elegant and eccentric disciples. Couture client, designer's muse and designer in her own right Daphne Guinness did some Spring cleaning recently and the result of that culling of her considerable closet went under the hammer yesterday at Kerry Taylor Auctions. Indeed, 267 lots bulging with Alexander McQueen, Prada, Gianni Versace, Azzedine Alaia, Lanvin and Roland Mouret fashions as well as countless shoes and accessories were auctioned yesterday to benefit Womankind Worldwide, a U.K.-based charity that supports women in developing countries by giving them the means to help themselves.

I wasn't able to attend the auction as planned but I did enjoy perusing the lots on the auction house's Website if for no other reason than to witness the evolution of Guinness' personal style over the years. While her current style is rather edgy (she favors a mix of couture, goth-inspired jewelry and some pretty extreme shoes), it's interesting to note that it wasn't necessarily always the case. Perhaps this exercise serves to show that taking fashion risks becomes easier as we mature and we become less sensitive to the judgement of others. Regardless of what you may think of Guinness' sartorial choices, you have to admit that her style is highly personal and therefore allows her to make a strong impact in print as well as in person. In fact, she is one of the few socialites on the fashion show circuit who is immediately recognizable to all. Given fashion's ongoing obsession with celebrities and their professionally manufactured elegance, I find Guinness' individuality and her willingness to take risks a welcome breath of fresh air.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Photographic References:

Left to right: Halter dress by Roland Mouret (Photo courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions); Daphe Guinness; Cut-out boots by Alexander McQueen (Photo courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions).