Isabella Blow . . .
. . . The Legend
Isabella Blow was a style icon, an editor, muse and nurturer of young talent. The women behind Lee McQueen's - world renowned Alexander McQueen, and Philip Treacy the brilliant milliner and designer. Isabella Blow had a unique sense of style, not to be matched by any one since her death and I don't think it ever will be. She is the epitome of the English eccentric, and what's brilliant about British fashion and our pool of creative talent.
Blow started off as Anna Wintour's assistant at American Vogue. After coming back to London she became an assistant to the fashion editor, Michael Roberts, of Tatler Magazine. During this time she found Philip Treacy a then unknown student at RCA, she chose to wear one of his creations on her wedding day. The pair shared a close relationship and friendship till her death in 2007. Another one of her bright stars was Lee McQueen who she spotted at the Central Saint Martins MA Graduate show, Blow was one of the first people to really believe in McQueen and she nurtured and followed his progress till her death.
After a few years she moved back to Tatler as fashion director she became known for pushing the boundaries of fashion and showing a more risqué style of fashion photography that had not yet really been seen let alone published.
Blow struggled with depression from an early age after suffering a family tradegy. During her life she tried to commit suicide a number of times before finally succeeding on May 7th 2007 by drinking weed killer. Her funeral was held in Gloucestershire Cathedral where she had got married 18 year previously to Detmar Blow. At her funeral the actor Rupert Everett said,
I agree with all the sentiments Rupert Everett expresses, although of course I did not have the pleasure of knowing or meeting Isabella Blow, I feel her legacy still lives on. She was a breathe of fresh air in the fashion world, an inspiration who lit up the lives of the people around her. She has inspired a generation of designers and creative talents and will be sadly missed forever.
To those who have not seen the current exhibition at Somerset House, go before it closes! A collection of all that was Isabella Blow, its open till 2nd March 2014. A real must see for anyone interested in fashion and particularly all that is British Fashion.
x
Blow started off as Anna Wintour's assistant at American Vogue. After coming back to London she became an assistant to the fashion editor, Michael Roberts, of Tatler Magazine. During this time she found Philip Treacy a then unknown student at RCA, she chose to wear one of his creations on her wedding day. The pair shared a close relationship and friendship till her death in 2007. Another one of her bright stars was Lee McQueen who she spotted at the Central Saint Martins MA Graduate show, Blow was one of the first people to really believe in McQueen and she nurtured and followed his progress till her death.
 |
| Isabella and Detmar Blow's Wedding at Gloucestershire Cathedral. |
Blow struggled with depression from an early age after suffering a family tradegy. During her life she tried to commit suicide a number of times before finally succeeding on May 7th 2007 by drinking weed killer. Her funeral was held in Gloucestershire Cathedral where she had got married 18 year previously to Detmar Blow. At her funeral the actor Rupert Everett said,
"For someone who was suicidal, she was constantly dazzled by life and life was constantly dazzled by her. You were a one-off, a genius friend, your own creation in a world of copycats and I will miss you for the rest of my life."
I agree with all the sentiments Rupert Everett expresses, although of course I did not have the pleasure of knowing or meeting Isabella Blow, I feel her legacy still lives on. She was a breathe of fresh air in the fashion world, an inspiration who lit up the lives of the people around her. She has inspired a generation of designers and creative talents and will be sadly missed forever.
To those who have not seen the current exhibition at Somerset House, go before it closes! A collection of all that was Isabella Blow, its open till 2nd March 2014. A real must see for anyone interested in fashion and particularly all that is British Fashion.
x
No comments:
Post a Comment