“Fashion is a vampiric thing, it’s the hoover on your brain. That’s why I wear the hats, to keep everyone away from me,” They say, ‘Oh, can I kiss you?’ I say, ‘No, thank you very much. That’s why I’ve worn the hat. Goodbye.’ I don’t want to be kissed by all and sundry. I want to be kissed by the people I love.” ~ Isabella Blow, 1958-2007

Isabella Blow, 2002 © Diego Uchitel

The world of fashion was forever changed when Isabella Blow walked into it.  With a keen eye, a passion for high fashion and a fearless sense of style, the extraordinary wardrobe of Isabella “Issie” Blow lives on and can be seen at London’s Somerset House until March 2, 2014. Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! is curated by Alistair O’Neill with Shonagh Marshall and designed by architectural firm Carmody Groarke, with installations by set designer Shona Heath.  In partnership with the Isabella Blow Foundation and Central Saint Martins, the collection hosts over a hundred pieces and about 50 hats including Philip Treacy’s ship hat to Erik Halley 1998 pink lobster hat, as seen below.

Daphne Guiness, ‘saved’ the sale of the collection from the auction house Christie’s and once stated that she would,  “like this unique collection, marked by her grace and the fact it was so intimately hers, to allow people (whether students, lovers of fashion, historians) to remember her and benefit from her legacy, when we who knew and loved Issie are no longer here,” Guinness said. “In this way all of Issie’s friends, known or unknown, near or far, both those she chose and those who identify with her, will have access to something that no one should be afraid to call by its proper name: Isabella Blow’s Work of Art.”

A visionary like Isabella Blow comes along once in a lifetime.  She was a true ‘Work of Art’ and remains an inspiration for us all.

Check out the links below for more about Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!

http://showstudio.com/project/isabella_blow_fashion_galore/essay_hats

http://showstudio.com/project/isabella_blow_fashion_galore/catalogue_images_nick_knight