Isabella Blow is the epitome of the British fashion industry, edgy and subversive. She would express herself through fashion and now fashion brings her back to life in an amazing exhibition at Somerset House. As it happened with painters in the past, sadly she didn't live long enough to witness the recognition of her talent.
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| Isabella Blow, 1997 © Mario Testino |
Diana Vreeland said "style is a way of life" and this is particularly true when we look at images of Isabella Blow wearing fascinating hats by Philip Treacy and exquisite pieces by Alexander McQueen. Just as Diana Vreeland, she could spot and nurture talent, having famously bough the entire first collection of Alexander McQueen, after attending his MA Fashion show.
"What attracted me to Alexander was the way he takes ideas from the past and sabotages them with his cut to make them thoroughly new." Isabella Blow
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| Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! exhibition at Somerset House (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images for Somerset House) |
Isabella was also instrumental in the early careers of other designers such as Philip Treacy, who after graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1990 set up a workshop in the basement of her house. Walking through this exhibition, it's impossible not be be blown away by the incredible craftsmanship and conceptual richness of her personal collection.
Interviewing Isabella after Philip Treacy's show, fashion journalist Tim Blanks asked "what is the essence of Philip's design?", to which she replied: "Magic."
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| Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! exhibition at Somerset House (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images for Somerset House) |
The Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! exhibition, presented in partnership with the Isabella Blow Foundation and Central Saint Martins, features over 100 garments from her beloved designers. Her work as fashion editor and stylist for titles such as Tatler, The Sunday Times Style Magazine and British Vogue, is only a fraction of what she represents today, a legendary fashion figure.
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| Isabella Blow: Fashion Gallore! published by Rizzoli Photography by Nick Knight edited by Alistair O'Neil with essays by Professior Caroline Evans, Alexander Fury and Shonagh Marshall, £40 |
She is also known for discovering models Sophie Dahl and Stella Tennant and collaborating with major photographers such as Steven Meisel, David LaChappelle and Sean Ellis. But more than a patron of fashion, Isabella was also an inspiring muse, pushing others forward creatively as evidenced by La Dame Blue, a magnificent collection in her honour staged by Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy after her death.
The fantastic feather dress worn by Raquel Zimmermann at the show finale is also on display at Somerset House. This is undoubtedly a must-see exhibition, just take time to appreciate the craftsmanship and creative brilliance of her collection and to capture her visionary style.
20 November 2013 - 2 March 2014
Somerset House
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