Inspiring Icons/ Isabella Blow

Left: Isabella's coffin adorned with Philip Traecy hay, Right: Portrait of Isabella Blow, Photography by Gavin Evans

Left: Illustration inspired by Isabella Blow, Left: Photo of Isabella Blow, Photography by Phil Poynter, 1992

Isabella's London Apartment, Featured in The World of Interiors Magazine, March 2009
Photography by Fritz von der Schulenburg

Photography by Fritz von der Schulenburg

Left: Photography by Fritz von der Schulenburg, Right Isabella in Lobster hat, by Philip Traecy

Photography by Fritz von der Schulenburg

Left: The rose named after Isabella, personally chosen by Alexander McQueen simply named "Issie"
Right: Isabella in Philip Treacy orange acrylic disk hat, 2002

Left: Illustration Of Isabella Blow by Dawn S, Right: Isabella 

Isabella wearing Chinese Garden hat by Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen, Spring/ Summer 2005

Alexander McQueen/ Philip Tracey's Spring/ Summer show dedicated to Isabella Blow, 2008

Left: Portrait of Isabella Blow, Photography by Sean Ellis
Middle: In 2005, MAC launched a lipstick inspired by Isabella named BLOW
Left: Illustration of Isabella for the exhibition "When Philip met Isabella", Sydney, 2003  

Isabella Blow, It’s nearly been 5 years since Isabella sadly took her own life on May 7th, 2007. To me as a Stylist and Editor, she was an incredible inspiration. Even though some would say her methods were not always easily defined or understood immediately, it seemed she was a powerhouse of wild and passionate ideas and she rode her spirited horse in and out of the fashion world too quickly but with such a legacy behind her.

To me it’s very sad that like many creative people, Isabella fell into the hands of deep depression, I have read her husband’s Detmar Blow’s book on Isabella’s life Blow by Blow which is a fascinating read and it gives great insight with much honesty and love, her life and times. Isabella was truly one of a kind and while her life was short and often at times dark, I feel it’s important to acknowledge her contribution to the world of creating defining imagery of a generation.

While I don’t directly work in the world of Fashion, my world’s are connected as Interiors and Fashion often are and while having studied a brief stint in Fashion Design (without completing) I can’t say I ever submerged myself totally in clothes and that industry but it’s the ideas, the ability to recognize talent and the guts and glory approach Isabella took to Styling and Editing that really resonate with me.

One of her discoveries, the brilliant Alexander McQueen who also sadly took his life in 2010, dedicated his Spring/Summer 2008 show to Isabella. Philip Treacy, the also spellbinding Milliner who Isabella also championed collaborated with McQueen to produce typically ambitious hats that were inspired by Isabella’s eccentric aura and allure, the show was sadly sensational.

For me as an Interior Stylist, Isabella’s homes were as an important indication of her spirit as any of her outfits, Isabella Blow's London apartment was featured in The World of Interiors in March 2009. It is a pastiche of color, life and the love of objects. While she spent much time at Hilles, Her husband Detmar’s family estate of which few pictures seem to exist, Her London apartment is so personal and a clear indication of her tastes and fondness of the gathering of pieces that really meant something to her, something I try to do with my own spaces.

Isabella Blow died, age 48. Her friend actor Rupert Everett spoke at her funeral in 2007, He said " You are 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."

Blow is also credited with discovering Hussein Chalayan, Honor Fraser, Stella Tennant and Sophie Dahl. Isabella during her lifetime worked at U.S Vogue, Tatler and The Sunday Times Style Magazine, Also working Freelance in other capacities for a number of high-end Fashion clients.

Sadly missed but never forgotten, She is one of my most inspiring icons.