I’ll take a Guinness please!

While in NYC last week, I took the opportunity to check out the Daphne Guinness exhibit at the F.I.T. Museum with my gal pal Debbie, an ex-pat of Miltown and fashion follower.  The Fashion Institute of Technology did an exemplary job of taking the socialite/ fashion icon’s (Daphne not Debbie, although she does look pretty swell!) impressive collection of over the top couture, and cobbling into a cohesive journey into the artistic life of a true fashion connoisseur.  While on the surface the beautiful heiress’ worldly life as a front row runway sitter could come off as irresponsible, her character shows through in her obvious love of the garments themselves.  Like owning a painting by Picasso, or Degas, Ms. Guinness opines:  “What draws me to fashion is art…and certainly not fashion as a status symbol.”  

This exhibition is done for the benefit of those out there, students or otherwise, who share this love.”  Very few people could argue that point when gazing at the videos and other imagery of her.  She actually wears things that on others could be construed as elaborate costume.  Somehow their beauty is heightened by her cat like grace in the face of actually walking about in the monstrous heel-less shoes by Alexander McQueen, or any of the other impossibly fascinating pieces in the vast collection.  With the price of admission being free, F.I.T. allows us into the world of passion and valor that only the bravest of souls can pull off!  Bravo to Ms. Guinness and for her support, knowledge and respect for the art over and above the rarified world of couture fashion.  For more information on F.I.T. and their amazing exhibits go to http://www.fitnyc.edu.