Children of the night
Photo: Steven Meisel
Design: David Dalrymple
Interview magazine called in dozens of artists, designers, club kids, performers and stylish creatures for an open call casting and shoot. Many up and coming personalities were photographed, but only 8 were selected to represent New York nightlife in the late 80's.
MY COMRADE 1990
Gogo dancing in the nightclubs of NYC
Photo by Michael Wakefield
Rupaul, Lahoma and David posed on a box wearing early Dalrymple designs.
This portrait was taken during a party and benefit for MY COMRADE magazine, the legendary downtown gay and lesbian drag/trans art magazine created and published by Linda Simpson. The same trio graced the cover of the 1990 issue.
It was at parties like Linda's where David met his future clients like Dee-lite, Lady Bunny, Joey Arias, and Patricia Field.
SPACE CUNT 1991
Performance art/ theater
Mona Foot, aka Nashom Wooden, and David created and starred in "Spacecunt", a musical theater parody of 'Star Trek', which featured the art of lip synch performance. In the 6 episode series, the lives of 'Space Cunt' and her robotic side kick 'Cuntron' were chronicled as they travelled through time and space. May the force be with you, honey!
Special guest stars included legends The Lady Bunny, Billy Beyond and Afro-dite, just to name a few.
At MATTHEW KASTEN's legendary show place, the BOY BAR.
WHITE IS THE NEW BLACK 1992
First order from a retailer
When David met artist Kathleen White, he may not have realized it but he had met his muse. The naturally stylish and thoughtful artist brought David's creations to life and inspired him to create quality and beauty. The two collaborated on many projects.
The legendary 8th street boutique 'Patricia Field' sold the first pieces with the label DavId Dalrymple. Patricia, the owner and namesake, also did buying, merchandising, and image consulting for the Japanese store SEXY POP by Patricia Field. She commissioned David to create 20 original pieces for the Tokyo boutiques opening.
GAY PRIDE PARADE NYC 1993
Unauthorized 'art project' announcement of Wigstock
Photo by Linda Simpson
The Lady Bunny and David wearing the two headed billboard dress at the Gay Pride parade. This presentation, with hand painted WIGSTOCK '93 by artist Kathleen White, was an unauthorized entry and an brazen announcement of Bunny's upcoming annual drag festival. The duo stole cheers and applause as they weaved through the officially entered floats and marchers of the parade...this upset many officials, but tickled Bunny to no end!
LUNACHICKS 1994
Dressing Theo and LUNACHICKS
David was introduced to the gorgeous and talented Theo Kogan by close friend client Miss Guy. They went to see the band perform and David became a fan. He began designing looks for Theo for stage, album covers, and music videos. Theo wearing the clothes on stage brought so much life and theater to the process. It was very inspiring and naturally Theo became one of David's muses and would eventually model for House of Field.
HOUSE OF FIELD 1995
Runway presentation
David's first collection as designer for 'House of Field', the lingerie inspired clothing brand that Patricia Field started in 1987. He brought his unique style, HOF's sexy image and the nightlife aesthetic to the runways of New York Fashion Week. The casting by Connie Fleming was unlike any other, a mix of top models, celebrities, and fashion royalty. The presentation echoed the charged atmosphere and excitement of clubland to the tents.
SECOND COLLECTION 1996
Runway presentation
The second collection for House of Field demonstrated how much music and pop culture had influenced David's aesthetic. The clothes were a remix of inspirations from Motown to Detroit Rock City, formal military coats over see thru jumpsuits and an eerie nod to macabre theater. David's presentation paid tribute to the royalty of fashion and music. The show rocked with models Deborah Harry, Kembra Phaler, Veruschka, Miss Guy and Theo Kogan.
VISIONAIRE MAGAZINE 1997
Editorial
David Dalrymple for House of Field
Photos by Ellen Von Unwerth
The energy and buzz of David's show caught the attention of fashion photographer Ellen Von Unwerth. With stylist Lysa Cooper, the iconic photographer selected to shoot his House of Field collection for the #18 FASHION SPECIAL issue of Visionaire magazine. Hair by Danilo, who designed the hair for all David's shows. Ellen described the look as 'very New York!'
IBIS CABARET 1997
Burlesque runway presentation
While on business in Paris, Patricia surprised David with an evening at the
Crazy Horse. She described it as a must see! The slick performances, bawdy humor and incredible lighting inspired David.
David found the glamorous Egyptian cabaret 'IBIS' for the location of his next show.
The backstory was born: a burlesque show on a cruise down the Nile.
The collection had a nod to the 1950's with classic foundations that were seen through transparent dresses, sexy swimwear with cover ups and of course, showgirls in beads, feathers and headdresses.
The burlesque show incorporated elements of musical performance and classic runway with special appearances by Candis Cayne and Lina Bradford.
ON TV 1999
Custom Couture
Actress, artist and longtime friend of House of Field, Lisa Marie recruited David to design the custom wardrobe for her series "Exposure" which aired on the FX network. Lisa and David collaborated on over 30 episodes plus the TV commercial that would promote the series.
That same year, Patricia Field was the costume designer for "SPIN CITY."
With Pats introduction, David's clothes began to make regular appearances on Heidi Klum and the other female characters of the sitcom.
Also in 1999, David and Patricia were invited to appear on THE RUPAUL SHOW on VH1. David and Patricia were interviewed by Ru and David presented his Fall 1998 collection.
DRESS THE A LIST 1999
Style Stars
David began to collaborate quite regularly with superstar stylists Lysa Cooper, Lonnie Barnes, Ligia Morris, and Kurt and Bart on custom wardrobe for their superstar clients. One of David 's favorites to work on was LIL' KIM...her confidence and love of fashion brought so much to the success of the look. David went on to create many of her memorable looks and went on to style her directly for 'Interview'. Magazine shoot with Albert Watson.
PIVOTAL CAREER MOMENT 2000
Custom building Britney
Photo by Kevin Mazur
David worked closely with esteemed colleagues and close friends, KURT and BART, the style duo behind Britney Spears transformation. One of the first costumes built for Britney was for her show stopping striptease performance of Oops! I did it again at the 2000 MTV VMA's. Earlier that evening, the pop star wore David's gown on the red carpet. David went on to build many of Britney's custom looks for stage , videos, and TV commercials.
DONT CALL IT A COMEBACK! 2001
Runway presentation
Runway Photo by Dan Lecca
Interview magazine photos: David LaChapelle
After several seasons of showing off site, David returned to the tents of Bryant Park and New York Fashion Week for the 2001 Spring Summer Collections. David had visited Syria for the first time the summer before this show, finding exotic fabrics
and fine hand knits that he incorporated into his design. The hot supermodel, high octane show brought elements of global street wear, Paris couture, and chic showgirl fantasy.
In the months that followed, pieces from this collection would be seen on the likes of P!nk, Gwen Stefani, and the Dixie Chicks.
LUX LIFE 2002
Runway presentation
David's Fall 2002 collection showcased high fashion lux. Ultra Suede partnered with House of Field and it's street wear was taken to the luxury level in design and fabrication. Inventively cut suitings showed David's experimental and architectural tailoring yet remained signature HOF sexy. Swarovski hand beaded dresses and gowns also were elevated to a couture level.
Some years later, one of the gowns from this collection was worn by Patricia Field to the Academy Awards, for her best costume design nomination for "The Devil Wears Prada"
Starring Role 2003
Runway Presentation
Photos: Jennifer Graylock
David's mashed up music inspired collection brought his star clients to the front row and fashion runway. Rapper EVE, R&B princess MYA, and rock goddess THEO KOGAN strutted the runway while superstars BRITNEY SPEARS, JOAN COLLINS, and SONIA BRAGA watched in amazement.
The chiffon bubble dress from this collection was commissioned in pale pink by SEX AND THE CITY for Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie.
Fall 2003
Runway Presentation
The turmoil in the Middle East, forced David start the show with the political fashion statement "NO BLOOD FOR OIL" painted in red on the first models look. The sexy show celebrated the strength of the human spirit and body with models in exquisite tailored suits, sexy cocktail dresses and stunning gowns.
After the final look, David took his bow and made a second political fashion statement with humor; LESS WAR-ING and MORE WHORING was painted on the back of his jacket.
BEACH BODY 2004
Runway Presentation
Photos: Jennifer Graylock
David's 2004 spring summer collection was a tribute to Brazil. On a trip to São Paulo, David was hugely inspired by death rock imagery, sexy swimwear and Brazils sexy denim. The collection was a lively and eclectic. A mash up of color, print and texture...both sport and street, industrial and chic.
Most importantly, David's presentation echoed the Brazilians love of life, which was a quality that influenced him greatly.
BARBARELLA DAS MUSICAL 2005
Costume design for Stage
Photo: Reinhard Holl
Illustration: Connie Fleming
In 2005 David was called upon by the federal stages of Vienna as costume designer for the musical production of Barbarella, original score & lyrics by Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics.
David designed over 400 costumes collaborating with illustrator Connie Fleming and the tailors, craftsmen, and artisans of Vienna’s famed costume workshops.
TAKE TWO 2006
Designing for NBA
David had been designing costumes for New York's KNICKS CITY DANCERS since 1995. The sexy street-wear and night club feeling of the costumes, with unique styling by Petra Pope created a unique urban fashion image that was new to the world of professional. In 2006, David added a second NBA team to his roster, the NEW JERSEY NETS DANCERS. The team called on David for costumes. The challenge of designing for two squads inspired and pushed David to reach higher. The less cheerleader, more fashion look grabbed attention of fans, celebrity guests and press alike.
Diva Call 2007
Co-designing celebrity brand 'Anastacia'
Photos from ad campaign:Matthias Vriens McGrath
David was styling and creating custom wardrobe for a number of artists including
International pop star "Anastacia". Her style and self confidence captured the attention of European clothing giant S. OLIVER, who partnered with Anastacia to create a fashion brand bearing her name. Anastacia recruited David to collaborate on the design and image of the collection. David's 3 year involvement reached from design direction and consulting to the styling of the ad campaign, the production of the runway show and creation of custom wardrobe for Anastacia.
DESTINATION STYLE 2008
Collection based on Sex and the City Photos: Josh Jordan
David and Patricia Field designed a capsule collection called "Destination Style", which was inspired by Patricia's costume design in the film along with some of David's greatest hits from House of Field.
Timed perfectly with the release of "Sex and the City Movie", the collection was an international success. After a runway presentation in NYC, Pat and David went literally around the world promoting the collection. Press and store openings in London, mounted fashion shows in Greece and TV appearances through Australia.
They ended the tour with 18 hours of airtime on HSN!
DRESS ME UP 2009
David x Pat x Vidal Sassoon
Illustration by Connie Fleming
David created custom wardrobe in collaboration with Patricia for popstar Namie Amuro, the face, voice and image of Vidal Sassoon Asia and the ad campaign: Fashion x Music x Vidal Sassoon. The 3 year campaign included appearances, print and television advertising and Ms. Amuro's music videos. Her first video for the campaign won her a coveted best video from the MTV VMA's Japan.
Also that year brought the collaboration with Mattell and yet another gorgeous ''it '
Girl to dress...BARBIE! 50 designers were asked to create a look for the runway show commemorating BARBIE's 50 birthday. David's look, modeled by Jordan Dunn, was selected to be the final look and close the show.
SEX AND THE CITY THE SEQUEL 2010
Installation and runway presentation
David and Patricia celebrated the release of the SATC 2 movie with a glamorous rooftop party overlooking the iconic New York Skyline.
David's 'swimwear spectacular' fashion presentation of his 2010 swimwear capsule collection was shown on mannequins and a live models runway show during the party. The entire evening was a giant thank you to Pat and her team for the over the top vision and striking costume design in the film.
It was a magical evening.
Who Runs the World 2011
Advertising and promotional projects
David collaborated with corporate giants like Target! on the 'out of the box' marketing of Beyonce's album "4"...including a TV commercial and appearances.
In collaboration with Patricia Field, David created the couture gowns to frame Bulgari's gothic collection of jewelry. The event was staged in a 500 year old villa in Venice.
Sign of the times- David's dress graces another magazine cover... MODE magazine, of ABC's UGLY BETTY.
MAYBE ITS MABELLINE 2011
Designing Custom wardrobe Maybelline advertising
In David again collaborated with Patricia Field on the styling of the prestigious Maybelline Calendar.
12 thematic and amazing shots with Maybelline's stable of top models.
HELLO! BROOKLYN 2012
Costuming the Brooklynettes
In his 6 years with the NJ NETS DANCERS, David introduced them to original and sexy athletic inspired fashion.
But this had only been training for what was to come next.
In 2012, David was asked to commemorate the teams jump to BROOKLYN by creating a new urban fashion image. David turned up the volume! The graphic black and white themed costumes, the tough yet chic gear and athletic high tech couture defined the BROOKLYNETTES as the most talked about dance squad in sports. This coming season David and his team will design another set of costumes as the BROOKLYN brand continues to explode with global success.
DIVINE MISS M 2013
Creating custom wardrobe for Bette Midler Photo: Video stills RRHOF / Katie Couric. Red Carpet WireImage
In 2013 David began collaborating with the legendary Bette Midler for several projects including the New York Restoration Project, for her appearance at the Rock-in-Roll Hall of Fame Laura Nyro induction ceremony, and costume for her annual Halloween charity bash benefiting New York Park’s Association. Her look presented by David & Katie Couric for her dedication & charitable spirit, was meet with wild applauses on Katie’s show.
25th Anniversary 2014
Looking back to forge ahead.
2014 David will celebrate his 25th year as a designer & his 20th anniversary as creative director at House of Field.