Fashion Galore : in memory of Isabella Blow

Since Showstudio opened the new wing of Somerset House just over four years ago, it kick-started the trend of showcasing the most important fashion talent of our time. That trend continues today with the opening of their latest must-see show "Fashion Galore". It celebrates one of the most important visionaries in recent history, the late Isabella Blow and features highlights of her extensive (and rather exuberant) wardrobe. Expect to be immersed in a world dominated by wonderful creations by her friends Philip Treacy and Alexander McQueen, numerous hats and avant garde head pieces and as many frocks and gowns and one-off designer dresses that offer a feast to the eyes and feed the imagination of any viewer.

Last night's private view of the exhibition proved how loved and respected Isabella actually was. Despite her disbelief in our appreciation, Isabella was an icon for every club kid or fashion student in London and around the world and last night's launch saw over 200 guests, some of whom close friends and family, many of her peers, fashion insiders, designers and editors, all raising a toast in her memory with a slight air of sadness still, for her passing was rarher premature.
The guestlist (which included pictures next to each name as I discovered) included pretty much every important person of the London social/fashion scene i e: Grace Jones, Honor Frazer, Henry Holland, Stephen Jones, Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes, Princess Beatrice of York, Stella Tenant, Mary J Blige, Nick Knight, Philip Treacy, Daphne Guiness, Liberty Ross and Boy George to name but a few. Canopies were being served from a bird cage with two crows on each side and the cocktails were coming from every direction.
The show itself is a real treat with a healthy mixture of video footage from her personal archive, photographs and of course the fashion collection which was aquired and preserved by her friend and fashion icon Daphne Guiness. On display are also some of her most memorable editorial spreads, collaborations with some of the greatest photographers like Steven Meisel, David Lachapelle and Sean Ellis.

Isabella' s sister Lavinia

Make a note in your diary, the show is opening today. Whether you will be looking for an inspiration for your next outfit or just looking out for a creative spark, you do not want to miss this show.

 

 

 

 

 

©OggyYordanov

"Isabella Blow : Fashion Galore" soon at Somerset House

                                 image by Steven Meisel

So, it's finally official - "Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!"  is the next big event to add to your diaries peeps. The exhibition has been organized by the Isabella Blow Foundation and Central Saint Martins and will showcase more than 100 pieces from her collection. Curated by Alistair O'Neill and Shonagh Marshall, the show will be organized by theme and will spotlight Blow's aristocratic background; her early relationship with then fashion students  Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy; her massive hat collection; and her love of the British countryside.

                  image by Miguel Reveriego

Daphne Guinness, a longtime friend who purchased Blow's wardrobe after her death in 2007 is the main contributor to the show and described it as a "bittersweet event" for her. Issy, who was an important figure in fashion and nurtured many a new talent, committed suicide at age 48 after years of battling depression. Daphne Guinness was her friend and is also the founder of the Isabella Blow Foundation, which raises money to promote fashion, and to encourage young and aspiring talent. It also funds selected charities that promote mental wellbeing.

"She made our world more vivid, trailing color with every pace she took." - Guinness said. "I do believe that in choosing to exhibit them we've done the right thing — and that it is what she would have wanted. I am doing this in memory of a dear friend, in the hope that her legacy may continue to aid and inspire generations of designers to come."

Among the labels featured in the show, in addition to the obvious McQueen and Treacy, are Jeremy Scott, Julien Macdonald, Viktor & Rolf, Fendi, Escada, Prada, and Marni. Heath has created bespoke Blow mannequins that will wear full outfits once donned by the late fashion stylist and muse.McQueen's entire spring/summer 2008 collection, La Dame Bleue, which the designer and Treacy dedicated to Blow, will also be on show.

The show is to run from end of November this year to March 2014.