Daphne Guiness at ASVF Film Festival. Photo ©Morganistik
The eccentric heiress has been a muse and an inspiration for designers like Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino and, most famously, Alexander McQueen since the early 90s. The style icon whose legendary wardrobe – a treasure trove of couture pieces – is the subject of a show at New York’s FIT Museum, recently delved into the realm of film making, as both producer and actress. She exec-produced Sean Ellis’ Oscar-nominated 2004 short, “Cashback,” and produced and also starred in Joseph Lally’s “The Black and White Maze of the Painted Zebra,” and in two new films by the avant-garde film maker, “The Murder of Jean Seberg” and “The Secret Life of Marguerite Duras” that pay homage to her own heroines. Unlike other muses, Guiness seems uncomfortable with the epithet. She sees herself rather like “a bee” that goes from one designer to another and interprets their style in her very own way. The platinum-and-black streaked hair beauty, who wears those McQueens heels like no one else can, spoke to sleek about her love for cinema and couture.
sleek: Do you ever think about what you wear in terms of being regarded as a contemporary muse?
Daphne Guiness: I am completely un-objective about myself. It does not cross my mind. I live in the present, therefore I am not always reflecting upon myself. I am in it for the process and the team. The people I work with are my family.
sleek: You famously saved Isabella Blow’s wardrobe from turning into morbid memorabilia and always supported the work of Alexander McQueen…is it your way of preserving the energy and creativity of the persons you admire?
DG: There were many personal reasons, not all of which I will expand upon now, which compelled me to ensure Isabella’s collection remained intact. With the help and trust of her sister Julia, who is a great friend and a hero, Isabella’s collection it is now safe. What I am trying to preserve is the context and the time in which these pieces were conceived. Isabella’s clothes were not only art, but also her diary. They have survived the last 20 years. This is my opinion. I felt strongly that if I did not act, than no one would. I will cherish Isabella’s and Lee’s clothing forever and not in the morbid sense, but because I have spent many happy times with them and I feel so blessed to have had such wonderful friends. I want to restore their shining creative souls to the constellation of which they rightfully belong.
sleek: You recently presented your first two feature films by Joseph Lally for ASVOFF 4. What is your relationship to Lally and his movies?
DG: If anyone knew, they wouldn’t believe it! I have a feeling I was separated at birth with Joe. He is a dear friend, collaborator and one of the most interesting people I have met.
sleek: What does it take to get a start in the film industry?
DG: Courage. Just do it, get started. You do not need money – only intention, passion and imagination to create a world. And have fun!
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