Tell Me, Daphne

Tell Me, Daphne on Nowness.com.

Lauded patron of the arts and fashion world fixture Daphne Guinness discusses space travel and the transformative power of clothing with celebrated auctioneer Simon de Pury in part two of filmmaker Johnnie Shand Kydd’s double-bill feature. Known for her unrivaled couture sensibilities, Guinness is a recognized presence on the culture circuit. “I’m really a great admirer of Daphne, and even though she is so radical in her look, one forgets what her extraordinary heritage is,” explains Shand Kydd who has known Guinness personally for years. The daughter of brewery heir Jonathan Guinness, the 3rd Baron Moyne, and French artist Suzanne Lisney, Guinness was surrounded by creative talents from an early age. “Daphne’s mother was photographed by Man Ray with octopuses on her breasts, and Cecil Beaton, who photographed her grandmother Diana Mitford’s generation, was a great one for dressing people up in balloons and tinfoil,” says Shand Kydd, “so there’s a tradition of extraordinary outfits, and it comes very naturally to Daphne.” At a Christie’s auction next month, the fashion icon will sell select pieces from her personal wardrobe, including items from Balenciaga, Chanel, Alaïa and Alexander McQueen. All proceeds will go to the Isabella Blow Foundation, which supports young talent in art and fashion.