From vertiginous heel-less platform shoes to Alexander McQueen's most outlandish designs, Daphne Guinness has always been a champion for high-end and unique fashion.
And now the Couture collector is giving fans a sneak peek into her renowned wardrobe - and a lucky few the chance to own some of her most prized pieces.
The Daphne Guinness Collection is being auctioned off at Christie's to raise money for the Isabella Blow foundation.
The star of the sale is a stunning one-of-a-kind sculptural metallic silver mini dress, made specifically for Daphne Guinness, pictured wearing it, by Alexander McQueen in 2008, with an estimate of £15,000-20,000
Top: Yellow satin and hide ‘bubble’ dress, bought in 1987, selling for £1,000-2,000. This was the first piece of couture Daphne bought from Christian Lacroix
Center: Daphne bough this dress, selling for £400-800, in the Lanvin store in Paris in 2006 and wore it that night for a friend’s birthday party.
Bottom: A 2008 Christopher Kane dress, selling for £800-1,500, embellished with Swarovski crystals
Isabella, the stylist and muse who committed suicide in 2007, was a close friend of the heiress.
The auction and pre-sale exhibition will include 100 pieces from her personal wardrobe and estimates for individual lots start from £300, with the majority on offer for under £3,000.
The star lot of the sale is a stunning one-of-a-kind sculptural metallic silver mini dress, made specifically for Daphne by Alexander McQueen in 2008, with an estimate of £15,000-20,000.
A pair of heeless ankle boots by Noritaka Tatehana, selling for £1,500-2,500
This design was first viewed by Daphne, 44, in Alexander McQueen’s collection in 2008.
After seeing it, she asked Lee to create four dresses in this style, in different materials, one black, one black long sleeved, one feathered, and one silver. A favourite dress of Daphne’s, she has worn it to several high profile occasions.
The auction is to raise money for the Isabella Blow Foundation, in honour of the stylist and muse, left
Having famously bought the collection of the late Isabella Blow in 2011 so as to preserve it in its entirety, Guinness decided to offer key looks from her own renowned collection for sale at Christie’s in order to launch the charity she has set up in Isabella Blow’s memory.
The mission of The Isabella Blow Foundation is to continue her work, supporting new and emerging talent in the sphere where art and fashion meet – a realm championed by Daphne.
A portion of the funds generated by the Foundation will also be donated to selected charities.
The full contents of the sale will be on public exhibition from 23 to 27 June 2012.
Pat Frost, Director of Christie’s Fashion Department commented: 'We are delighted to be offering the fashion world this incredible one-off opportunity to buy some of the most iconic and cutting-edge haute couture of the early 21st century, owned and worn by Daphne Guinness.
'Not only will the auction comprise exceptional designs by the likes of McQueen, Chanel, Balenciaga and others, but it will also aptly benefit and shape the designers of the future.
'Christie’s is very proud to be able to play a part in helping Daphne to achieve her forward-looking and charitable aim.'
The Daphne Guinness Collection; Sold to Benefit the Isabella Blow Foundation 27 June 2012 at 7.00pm, Christie's South Kensington
