Daniel Lismore interacting with the audience at ID 2020
Daniel Lismore says he is a ‘stealth activist’ but he is also ‘a walking protest’,given that he dresses as a Maximalist, where he wears everything that challenges gender stereotypes. From eight-inch platform heels, to headgear, faux fur coats, haute couture with vintage fabrics, found objects, chainmail, ethnic jewellery, millinery and other bits and bobs that he arranges into an installation. One understands that he can do both stealth and protest, in fact, there was a point when even the minimal appealed to the diva of fashion who is a walking sculpture, a living work of art, who has been christened England’s ‘Most Eccentric Dresser’.
Daniel’s maximalist outfit is a tribute to Andy Warhol
“Life might be a performance, but I have to be me!” is what Lismore says as he takes centre stage at the India Design Symposium in New Delhi, where he shared a glimpse into his journey as a fashion icon, his work as a stylist, a performer, and a living breathing piece of art. Having worked with Lady Gaga, Bjork and even Prince Charles, he has also been shot by and acted as creative consultant to some of the world’s most famous photographers including Mert and Marcus, Steven Klein, David LaChapelle and Ellen von Unwerth.
When I asked Lismore what was that moment in his life that turned him from a male model with a 22-inch waist to the ‘phenomenon’ he is today he simply smiled and said, “It was the day I wore my first 8-inch platforms and realized that I was most comfortable in it…I never really left them! I was told by my mentor of the time, that I could continue being a good-looking male model among 100 others or I could become, me, Daniel Lismore a living work of art. I guess I didn’t look back after that, and I was just 17 years old,” he says, adding, “Being a living work of art is a bit like doing the ostrich act, where you put your head into the sand but the rest of your body is out there for all to see, so you’re not really hidden!”
Daniel during his visit to Delhi darshan, India
When asked about his trip to India Daniel said he met this 80-year-old Indian lady who couldn’t really see anything but then when she saw his ensemble and installation, she said, that it was ‘beautiful like a rainbow.’ “I also wanted to meet a few people from the Hijra community and Prince Manvendra Singh, but I guess that I may not be able to do all that on such a short trip,” says Lismore who secretly shares his desire to do a fashion shoot with the prince and may plan a second visit. “There just has to be more awareness and talk about LGBTQ issues, people interacting on a social level not just the official law related changes, though that is important as well,” says Daniel.
Meanwhile, he spent his time visiting some of the important historic sites and catching up with fellow designers and artists at the fair.
Text by Georgina Louella Maddox
Find out more about artist Daniel Lismore: www.daniellismore.com
