Isabella Blow was born into British aristocracy and had an impressive career in fashion that spanned over 30 years. She ventured into the field as Anna Wintour’s assistant at U.S. Vogue in the 80s and later became fashion director at Tatler.
As an influential force within the fashion field, she’s been noted as a leading inspiration behind many fashion collections. She also discovered emerging talent herself, including model Sophie Dahl.
The exhibition begins by taking a look at Isabella’s background and sets the scene with help from family photographs. It goes on to look at the careers of the late Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy, whom Blow helped to both nurture and influence.
The ultimate highlight of the exhibition for us was wandering around the section dedicated to Blow’s own personal style. Set designer Shona Heath referred to archival documentary images to create bespoke Isabella Blow mannequins wearing her full outfits, incorporating an eclectic fashion taste and many flamboyant hats.
The exhibition is a must for any fashionista, with tickets costing £12.50. For more information or to book in advance, head over to somersethouse.org.
Images: Peter MacDiarmid/Getty for Somerset House
