A Fashionable Museum

“We need better things, not more. We should not pollute the world with meaningless, unused things when we can make and support things of rare and precious beauty.”

Meet Daphne Guinness. I never really heard of her before her exhibition went on display at the FIT museum, but apparently she’s a (rather well to do) fashionista who is a collector of couture. Picture Lady Gaga as an heiress instead of a performer, and you’ve got the idea. I made my way over to the FIT museum the other day to check out the exhibition before it closes in January, and I really enjoyed it!

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Daphne has amassed this amazing collection of designer creations, and her unique sense of style really shines through this exhibition. The collection is divided into six parts, including Armor, Dandyism,  and Sparkle (of course I loved that one!), and this way you really got a sense of Daphne’s unique aesthetic and the types of pieces she gravitates towards. She has a lot of Alexander McQueen and a lot of sort of subersive fashion-a catsuit covered in nails, craaaaazy shoes with spikes, etc. Unfortunately photography was prohibited (bahh!) but apparently some people are a lot more ballsy than me because I managed to dig up a few photos online:

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So cool- the heel is a girl in a billowing dress!
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The way this sparkled in person was seriously gorge.
Part of the “Dandyism” section (via)

The FIT museum was also showing an exhibit entitled Fashion, A-Z: Highlights from the Collection of the Museum at FIT, Part One displaying selected garments from their permanent collection (which consists of 50,000 pieces!). There were Chanel suits, McQueen and Rodarte gowns, Elsa Peretti bangles, and much, much more. It is truly amazing to see these couture creations up close and personal. You see designer gowns on TV and in magazines, but they just don’t seem real- seeing them within arm’s reach, seeing the workmanship, the fabric, and the details, is just so fantastic.

Thierry Mugler gown from 1987 (via)

Then the crowning glory of the day-dinner at Pastis!

I’ve been dying to check out this fabulous restaurant in the Meatpacking District, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere and decor were just perfect, charming-so very New York. It managed to evoke a warm and cozy vibe while still feeling extremely spacious (a rarity in this city!). We got the cocktails pictured above, which were Champagne Fraise (champagne with strawberry), then I had the macaroni and cheese with bacon-and there are pretty much no words for the deliciousness. Then we indulged in sticky toffee pudding and cappucino for dessert. And then I had to be wheelbarrow’d home. Just kidding. I took a cab.

Leave a Comment

  1. Alexa wrote:

    Wow that museum sounds so cool…and strawberries and champagne I can never ever turn down. 😉

    Published 1.2.12 · Reply
  2. The photos are absolutely gorgeous! Wish I could have seen them. And wish I could have had dinner at Pastis even more!!

    Published 1.2.12 · Reply
  3. I am a big fan of DG's style, she is pretty eccentric, in a way only someone with the resources she has, can be. Nice post!

    Published 1.2.12 · Reply
  4. Jamie wrote:

    Daphne Guinness is amazing. Happy new year!

    Published 1.2.12 · Reply
  5. Jessie wrote:

    This looks so amazing.. I wish I could just collect and store amazing pieces of clothing!

    XX
    Jessie
    Enter my latest giveaway! http://87life.blogspot.com
    Check out 87Life on Facebook!

    Published 1.2.12 · Reply
  6. Oh how I miss NYC and its amazing museums and restaurants. I have not been to the Museum at FIT but I will need to go on my next visit! Pastis is fun, isn't it?

    Published 1.2.12 · Reply
  7. What a fantastic exhibit! And that shimmery dress? GORGEOUS. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and commenting 🙂
    xo,
    Sarah
    http://comingunstitched.blogspot.com

    Published 1.3.12 · Reply
  8. Jillian wrote:

    This is so lame but I know about Pastis while being all of the way from little Portland, OR because of SATC. How awesome you actually got to dine there! Your champagne looks delish.

    Published 1.3.12 · Reply
  9. Liesl wrote:

    Every time I'm in the city I go for drinks and dinner at Pastis, and sometimes brunch with friends…just adore that place and all of its European charm! 🙂

    Published 2.29.12 · Reply