‘Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable we have to alter it every six months,’ said a certain Mr Wilde. And while to a large degree he was right, he was also missing the point. Fashion is grotesque, ridiculous and unrealistic. You only have to look at the haute couture gowns that cost more than your average family car paraded down the catwalk each season that are as unwearable as they are over-the-top. But that’s the real point: a world of creative ridiculousness that led to the French creating the expression jolie-laide – ‘pretty-ugly’. That’s ultimately what fashion embodies. So those who chase trends and look nervously at their built-in seasonal clocks to give themselves permission to throw something out or put something on in a particular way are doing the fashion equivalent of shaving their heads to deal with a split-end.
Designed clothes should be utilised, mixed and worn in an entirely individual way. Nobody in London and probably the world embodies this philosophy more than Daniel Lismore. As a former-model, legendary party organiser and arguably walking art installation, Daniel could so easily be a slave to fashion. But, as he explains to So So Gay, there’s a crucial difference between wearing clothes creatively and simply letting them wear you.
SSG: When did you decide you wanted to be a fashion icon?
Daniel Lismore: I never really wanted to be a fashion icon, I just became one. I wanted to be a Maasai Warrior after I came back from living with them in Kenya. I see myself more of a modern tribes man…
Did you have a creative childhood growing up in not-famed-for-glamour Coventry?
I was obsessed with Star Trek. I had all of the action figures and played with them day to day trying to make them look more alien with clay I used to dig up from the park. I used silly putty to try make myself look like a Klingon and learned to speak their language. I’m a bit rusty now. I used to play out in the fields with my friends, always pretending to be in action films or WWF wrestlers, so I guess we were pretty creative.
Who inspires you today, aside from aliens?
My mother. We watch old black and white films and talk about fashion all the time. She is just as up-to-date with what’s happening on the runways and in cultural history as I am. Every time I come home she has either made me something or has found something amazing for me. If not she takes me to all the charity shops and she is just as creative-thinking as myself.
How did you first get into modelling?
I was scouted three years in a row and thought the agencies were trying to rip me off, as I thought I was an ugly duckling. I hated my face and how odd I looked. I used to want bigger lips and a nose job and cheek implants. Glad I never did that! One day I was at The Clothes Show at the NEC and I was scouted by eight model agents in the space of two hours. Select took me on: five of us were chosen out of thousands of people. But when we got to London they said one of you has to leave, and it was me. Just as I walked out of the building my Dad called and said there was an agent trying to get through to me from an agency called BOSS. I remember calling them so scared and talking to a wonderful lady called Debbie. She said she would take me on as a mother agent and got me signed with the then-newly formed agency, ICM. My first job was for L’Uomo Vogue.
Who was your favourite designer to model for?
Johnny Blue Eyes, after I retired.
How did that lead on to you hosting events?
The PR girl from my model agency sent me to a party for a designer. I met Kirsten Dunst and Sister Bliss at Kabaret Prophecy, befriended a fashion designer Julia Clancey and a stylist called Alexia. I loved the mix of people and fell in love with the atmosphere. I told the owner I loved his place and could bring some even more amazing people into the club. That was my first time. Didn’t last too long as I lived out of London and I wasn’t being paid, but then Jodie Harsh asked me to do Circus with her and I said yes. I was in charge of finding the freaks and fashion folk and bringing them to the club, often getting ready at my flat beforehand.
On average, how long would you say it takes you to get ready for a night out?
From five minutes to an hour – no longer – unless I am getting everyone else ready at the same time. It all depends if I wear a mask or makeup. Makeup normally takes 20 minutes. However, I do spend hours with my hot glue gun, sewing machine and paints.
In your opinion, what are the crucial ingredients for a fabulous party?
Trannies, celebs, bag ladies, fashion designers, free drinks… and a great venue.
If you could throw a dinner party and invite anyone, living or dead who would be your guests?
I have had dinner with most of the people I admire. Hopefully one day I will have dinner with Stephen Fry and Daphne Guinness. I adore the two of them and everything they stand for. Stephen’s head should be put on a first class stamp and Daphne should have a crystal statue made of her and put in the V&A.
Which were your favourite shows at the last London Fashion Week?
Ziad Ghanem, Mark Fast and Jean Pierre Braganza.
What big trends do you think we should all be looking out for?
The best trend is not to trend. I hate how you are meant to conform when it comes to being fashionable.
Anything you wouldn’t be seen dead without?
My camera is essential. I document my whole life.
What do you make of the whole John Galliano affair?
I think Dior should have put him in rehab immediately.
Keep up to date on Daniel’s upcoming parties on his Facebook page and follow him on Twitter @DanielLismore
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