Yesterday at Fred’s, Simon Doonan and I hosted a lunch for Daphne Guinness (who was recently featured in a film by Brennan Staciewicz) and the amazingly talented winners of our Daphne Guinness/Alexander McQueen costume contest.
Irma Elezovic
During Daphne’s live performance in the Barneys windows last month, five fashion students caught our attention with the elaborate looks they created for the event. FIT’s Kayla Hayes wore a lampshade under her skirt to create volume; Parsons’ Meghan Spielman perched gigantic antlers on her head; Parsons’ Jonathan Trevino meticulously wrapped ostrich feathers around his stocking-covered legs and feet; Parsons’ Gabe Sahyoun made Daphne-inspired heel-less shoes using brackets from Home Depot; and FIT’s Irma Elezovic constructed a cage full of butterflies on her head.
Daphne was honored to hear how these students had channeled her inimitable style, and each of them got a chance to chat with her about fashion, creativity and careers.
Most of the contest winners came to the lunch dressed in their everyday garb, but Irma and Kayla kept the creativity going in McQueen-inspired gowns designed by fellow fashion student Charles Haddad. They completed their looks with sky-high platforms they had covered with fabric to match their dresses.
At one point, I overheard Daphne remark that, when it comes to style, young Americans are even more daring and creative than their English counterparts. Perhaps that’s why she chooses to live in New York!
- Amanda Brooks
Below, browse through some photos I snapped during the event.
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