SOUTH KENSINGTON.- Christie’s announced the single-owner evening auction of The Daphne Guinness Collection; Sold to Benefit the Isabella Blow Foundation which will take place on 27 June 2012 at Christie’s South Kensington saleroom, 85 Old Brompton Road. The contents of the sale will be on public exhibition at Christie’s from 23 to 27 June 2012.

The most glamorous summer event in the London fashion calendar, the auction and pre-sale exhibition of The Daphne Guinness Collection will include 100 pieces from the personal wardrobe of fashion’s most contemporary cutting-edge muse. Effortlessly fusing the classic and the avant-garde, the Honorable Daphne Guinness has made a name for herself not only for her outgoing style, but also as a designer, artist, model and collector of haute couture. Having famously bought the collection of the late Isabella Blow in 2011 so as to preserve it in its entirety, Ms. Guinness has generously 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 the work of Issie, 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.

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.”

Christie’s has a reputation for selling the most important collections in the world – from art to jewellery, and furniture to couture. Most recently, Christie’s held a four-day series of landmark sales devoted to the iconic Collection of Elizabeth Taylor. A fitting celebration of Hollywood’s most glamorous star and her fearless sense of style, two days of sales were dedicated to the haute couture, fashion and accessories portion of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor realising a combined total of £3,602,243/ $5,541,913 / €4,267,273 – the most valuable private collection of fashion sold at auction. Christie’s has paid tribute to designers, style icons, and fashion houses through the ages many times over the years. Previous important single-owner fashion collections offered at Christie’s have included The Personal Property of Marilyn Monroe, and Dresses from the Collection of Diana, Princess of Wales, among others.