Central Saint Martins is proud to celebrate Daphne Guinness, who received an honorary doctorate during the UAL graduation ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall on 18 March.
Daphne Guinness is a multidisciplinary creative whose work spans fashion, music, film, journalism, songwriting and curation. Known for her distinctive vision and cultural influence, she has collaborated with some of fashion’s most celebrated figures, including Alexander McQueen and Karl Lagerfeld, while building a body of work defined by originality and creative independence. Her practice extends into film and performance, where she continues to explore new forms of expression across disciplines.
In her speech, Guinness reflected on creativity, loss and lifelong learning, paying tribute to Isabella Blow and Alexander McQueen, and the role they played in shaping her belief that creativity is essential, not optional.
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Image credit: Daphne Guinness. Photography by David Poutley -Inpressphotography.
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Image credit: Clive Myrie UAL Chancellor and Daphne Guinness. Photography by David Poutley - Inpressphotography.
A long-standing relationship with UAL
Guinness’s relationship with the University of the Arts London began in 2012, when she auctioned items from her personal wardrobe to establish The Isabella Blow Foundation in memory of Isabella Blow. Over the following decade, the Foundation provided scholarships for MA Fashion students at Central Saint Martins, helping to widen access to a world-class fashion education.
In 2021, she launched The Hon Daphne Guinness Support Programme, which has since supported more than 60 students at Central Saint Martins, enabling them to realise their creative ambitions and fully engage with their studies.
Reflecting on her 15-year journey with UAL, Guinness described finding “not just a cause, but a family” — built on shared vision, exchange and a commitment to supporting emerging talent. Her continued support has created meaningful opportunities for students and continues to shape the next generation of designers.
Her honorary doctorate recognises both her creative contribution and her sustained commitment to education. As she reflected, it is a reminder that learning never stops — and that beauty, rigour and radical imagination belong together.