The Honourable Daphne Guinness Scholarship

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Honourable Daphne Guinness Scholarship must be:

Accepted on the first year of the full-time MA Fashion course at Central Saint Martins, UAL starting in October 2026

About

In 2012, Daphne Guinness established The Isabella Blow Foundation as a tribute to its namesake; her longtime collaborator and friend. After being introduced through family in the 80s, Daphne and Isabella reconnected in 1997. Daphne and Isabella connected over a shared love of history, design and humour. They began working together on fashion shoots and partnered on various creative projects and events.

Blow and McQueen’s renowned friendship began when Isabella went to see his graduate show at Central Saint Martins. Her mentorship of him proved to be mutually transformative, and has been widely documented.

Daphne met Lee later, separately. Guinness’ relationship with McQueen was forged when the designer saw her crossing the street, having recognised one of his designs on her back. He approached her and they became engrossed in conversation. They ended up whiling away the day in a local pub; it was the start of a beautiful friendship.

For the duration of its 9-year tenure, the charity raised and distributed funds for scholarships at Central Saint Martins. After nearly a decade and having fulfilled its objectives, The IBF has now been dissolved. In its place, Daphne has generously launched 2 new personal scholarships at CSM, to continue to assist fashion students in need: a cause close to both her and Isabella’s hearts.

The scholarship will be assessed on the basis of financial need and academic merit. It will provide a contribution of £12,000 towards course costs and living expenses in the first year of the course and £8,000 in the second year of the course.

Applications are welcome from those who are in financial hardship and those who will benefit from postgraduate studies to realise their full potential.

Receiving payment

The scholarships will provide a contribution of £12,000 towards course costs and living expenses in the first year of the course and £8,000 in the second year of the course.

Course costs and living expenses payments will be paid in termly instalments to the award recipients.