Inside Style Icon Cornelia Guest's Prep for Dennis Basso's New York Fashion Week Show (Exclusive)
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Get the behind-the-scenes scoop on how Guest and Basso created this moment
Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty
Cornelia Guest and Dennis Basso at the designer's show during New York Fashion WeekDesigner Dennis Basso can still remember the first time he met “it girl” Cornelia Guest like it was yesterday. In fact, it was four decades ago.
The year was 1983 and Guest attended Basso’s very first fashion show with her mother, socialite C.Z. Guest, at Manhattan’s Regency Hotel. “We became fast friends,” Basso tells PEOPLE exclusively. “We partied through the '80s together!”
A young Guest, who in 1986 was named “Debutante of the Decade” when she was just 22, has also served as an inspiration to Basso over the years, most recently for his Spring/Summer 24 show this New York Fashion Week.
“My inspiration for this collection is great American families and generational dressing. There isn’t anyone more perfect than Cornelia,” Basso says.
“With C. Z. and Winston Guest, they were the perfect American family. Mrs. Guest was known for her great style and taste and as they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It seemed so natural for her to finale my show.”
Ahead, see how Guest prepared to close Basso’s show.
From Sidewalk to Catwalk
Courtesy of Corneila Guest
Cornelia Guest heads to designer Dennis Basso's show during New York Fashion Week"It’s show day!" Guest says as she heads to the Park Avenue venue.
But First, Hair
Courtesy of Corneila Guest
Hairstylist Julien Farel gets Cornelia Guest ready for Dennis Basso's show during New York Fashion Week"Beauty backstage with Julien Farel," says Guest of this moment with her hairstylist.
Naturally Glam
Courtesy of Corneila Guest
Cornelia Guest gets ready to walk in Dennis Basso's fashion show during New York Fashion WeekGuest gets her makeup touched up ahead of the show. She tells PEOPLE that to prep for the show, "I exercised a lot. I love to keep moving and eat healthy."
The Final Fit
Courtesy of Corneila Guest
Hairstylist Julien Farel and a dresser get Cornelia Guest ready for Dennis Basso's show during New York Fashion Week"Sneak peek at my look," Guest says of the design: black lace embroidered sheath gown with jet beads over blue silk organza.
A Friendly Hand
Courtesy of Corneila Guest
Week Cornelia Guest, with Dennis Basso, gets ready to walk in Basso's fashion show during New York Fashion WeekBasso joins Guest backstage and adjusts her gloves. Says Guest, "Accessories please!"
Gloved Up
Courtesy of Corneila Guest
Cornelia Guest, with Dennis Basso, gets ready to walk in Basso's fashion show during New York Fashion WeekA closeup of her train of blue organza. "It was a thrill to dress her as it brought back so many wonderful memories for me as a young designer," Basso shares.
Details, Details
Courtesy of Corneila Guest
Cornelia Guest, with Dennis Basso, gets ready to walk in Basso's fashion show during New York Fashion WeekThe team gets in some "touchups," before Guest heads to her post.
Ready For Her Closeup
Courtesy of Corneila Guest
Cornelia Guest gets ready to walk in Dennis Basso's fashion show during New York Fashion Week"One last look," Guest says. Postshow, she plans to celebrate with Basso and friends. Then, she says, it's "home tomorrow to my dogs, who I miss terribly,"
The Moment We've All Been Waiting For
Roy Rochlin/Getty
Cornelia Guest walks in designer Dennis Basso's show during New York Fashion WeekGuest walked in front of scores of VIP attendees, including, Ramona Singer, Devon Windsor and Jonathan Cheban.
"It was incredibly exciting and fun to walk in Dennis' show," Guest says. "I loved the music, and my dress was so beautiful. I was honored to be a part of it!"
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Read the original article on People.
