"Normally you should be dead if you have a retrospective," admitted Daphne Guinness this morning at the FIT Museum as she premiered her self-curated wardrobe retrospective. Her selection, the work from such brilliance as  Chanel, Gareth Pugh, Rick Owens, and not surprisingly, a healthy set of Alexander McQueen, are on display in the form in which she wears them. More than a spectacle of such phenomenal work, the exhibition allows us to delve into the mind a fearsome fashion expressionist. Click to see photos of the exhibit and opening reception.

After I see the exhibit, I'll tell you more about each piece. For now, enjoy fashion at its most powerful. See it now through January 7, 2012.

Exhibition photos by Tom Mendes; Opening reception photos by Patrick McMullan; Opening reception sponsored by Kim Crawford Wines