Barneys Sends FIT Students to Lunch with Daphne Guinness

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On Monday, the Met's Costume Institute will launch its Alexander McQueen exhibit with a McQueen-themed ball. And for the six weeks after that, Barneys will celebrate the designer's legacy with window displays starring clothing from the closet of Daphne Guinness, including her collection of pieces owned by McQueen muse Isabella Blow. Not all of the pieces in the display will be by McQueen, though—of the 26 looks, ten are by the designer, with others representing labels like Balmain, Chanel, and Rick Owens.

The fashion synergy doesn't end there. Monday at 5pm, Daphne Guinness kicks off the window display with a live performance, and Barneys is making damn sure there's an appropriately large—and appropriately chic—crowd around for the big debut. They've sent around an email inviting FIT students to arrive early for the show, and "to participate in the event by dressing for the occasion in honor of McQueen, Blow and Guinness." As added incentive, students can submit their outfits to rsvp@barneys.com to enter a best-dressed contest. The winner gets lunch with Daphne Guinness, Barneys fashion director Amanda Brooks and creative-director-at-large Simon Doonan.

Non-students might not get the chance to show off their best fascinators in front of Daphne, but they shouldn't worry too much about missing the show. Barneys plans to project the appearance—in which Guinness dons a McQueen gown for the big ball—on the façade of the store. They'll also live-stream it on their news site, The Window. And Monday won't be the only event: Guinness plans to return for several more getting-dressed performances, with The Window screening each one.
· Watch Daphne Guinness Dress for the Met Ball at Barneys [Racked NY]
· Daphne Guinness Invites You To Experience Fashion as Art [The Window]