Daphne Guinness Raises Over $740K for Isabella Blow Foundation
Fashion icon, Daphne Guinness, auctioned off 102 pieces of her coveted closet full of designer collections and couture at Christie's yesterday to benefit the Isabella Blow Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting the British fashion industry and emerging British talent.
The auction, which featured designers including Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chanel, and Lacroix, was estimated to garner around $150,000, but, not surprisingly, the final hammer sum far surpassed that at a whopping $741,137.
Top items sold included a photograph of Ms. Guinness taken by Mario Testino, which sold for $51,540—a new record for the photographer—as well as a pair of Alexander McQueen "Angel Wing" heels $23,415. That's some major moolah on your feet!
While many of the bidders remained anonymous (though we have some bets on Anna Dello Russo), Guinness disclosed her appreciation for a certain bidder in particular, Lady Gaga. "I'm overwhelmed by how many bidders took part this evening and I'm particularly moved by Lady Gaga's support for the Foundation," Guinness said. "I like her very much, and it's lovely to see the nascent beginnings of something that may help other people."
We aren't the least bit surprised that Gaga was all over this auction since she and Guinness share the same affinity for ridiculously high McQueen platforms and over-the-top couture. Can we expect to see some of these hand-me-downs during her next world tour?
