Filmmaker-philanthropist-blogger Daphne Guinness is a style icon
extraordinaire, muse to countless designers and, with the launch of her own shirt
collection at Dover Street Market and an eponymous,
limited-edition fragrance for Comme des Garcons, something of a designer
herself.
Shirts and scents aside, the gracious, surprisingly down-to-earth Irish brewing heiress (and granddaughter of Diana Mitford) has always been her own best creation, famous for her delicate beauty, skunk-striped coif, eccentric haute couture ensembles, bespoke baubles and towering, one-of-a-kind Christian Louboutin platform shoes.
The Fashion Informer caught up with Guinness (who turns 42 on Monday and did, indeed, smell heavenly) during a recent New York visit to discuss her love of reading, old movies and the creative process.
So, Daphne…
What’s in current rotation on your iPod?
Regina Spektor, I think she’s
great. Andrew Bird, Bob Dylan, the
Stones, Wagner.
What’s your favorite getaway spot?
I haven’t gone away in such
a long time. I’ll tell you. My dream is to… I love traveling and I
love to explore ancient ruins and I also like to relax. There’s so much to see in the world – I’m
not somebody who really likes resorts very much. Life is a learning curve and carpe diem!
What are you currently reading?
I’m re-reading Ringworld by Larry Niven. I’ve been
reading books on the crisis in Islam and things like that. Rogue Economics. I’m
reading The Razor’s Edge again by W. Somerset
Maugham. I love that book. I’m always reading. I’ll read a book I love 25 times - and Shakespeare I read a
lot of. I think that’s what I like
doing best, is reading.
What movie has had the biggest effect on you?
Many movies. I like old movies from the
forties and fifties. I love Gene Tierney. I love Stanley Kubrick – Barry Lyndon is a great film. 2001:
A Space Odyssey. Dr. Strangelove. The
Women – the original version. Leave Her
to Heaven. Sunset Boulevard.
Where can we find your new scent?
It’s not available here yet.
Well, you need to fix that, stat!
I’m not in charge of that,
really, all I can do is make it (laughs).
I think it’s going to be available here but it’s quite a small run,
though. It was great seeing them
break down my scent. I’m all about layering and mixing it up.
When are you happiest?
When I’m in the process of
doing something creative.
[Guinness’ scent, Daphne, retails for $125 and is now available at the Comme des Garcons store in Chelsea.]
Stay tuned for Random Questions For…Carlos Falchi.
FANTASTIC blog! I just came across your brilliantly entertaining blog while on a search for historic architecture of Tuxedo Park, NY -go figure. Well, it certainly was a lucky surprise for me!
Posted by: Scott Fazzini | January 09, 2010 at 09:43 AM
Thanks, Scott! I'm glad you like the site and appreciate your kind words. I LOVE the name of your blog. Very clever.
Posted by: The Fashion Informer | January 09, 2010 at 06:10 PM