Isabella Blow
Friend and muse to Alexander McQueen, the late Isabella Blow was one of the most influential figures in modern fashion.
By Benjamen Judd
Currently showing at the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences in Ultimo is the fascinatingly poignant exhibition Isabella Blow: A fashionable life which will show until August 28.
During her life, Blow was front and centre of the avant garde and couture fashion scene. The English stylist, editor and muse championed British fashion, nurturing the careers of many designers in the 1990s including the unforgettable Alexander McQueen (who she remained good friend with until her death) and Philip Treacy.
Starting her career in the US working with the inimitable Anna Wintour and André Leon Talley, Blow built a reputation for having a knack for predicting future trends in fashion while owning a unique, flamboyant sense of style for herself.
Blow’s death was, to be so crass, also a blow to the fashion world and one that many designers and models are still recovering from. In fact, McQueen himself never did.
In A Fashionable Life, some of Blow’s most infamous outfits and collected garments are on display, which were purchased in their entirety upon her death by friend the Honourable Daphne Guinness.
Stains, cigarette burns and the other characteristics of a wardrobe well loved pay sad tribute to the woman who once wore them.
Isabella Blow: A fashionable life is on display at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney from May 14 until August 28.
For tickets, visit maas.museum/isabella-blow
Powerhouse Museum
500 Harris St, Ultimo NSW 2007
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