Blow me!..

..is what I said to myself walking out of the Isabella Blow exhibition at Somerset House. The exhibition was not only a showcase of her personal style but also of her ability to spot and nurture new talent and the obvious friendships built out of this. It was an emotional exhibition spanning her life from her birth into the aristocratic Delves Broughton family to her untimely death at her own hands.

Doddington Hall, the home that Blow was born into.

This is a must-see for anyone interested in the fashion industry or the creative arts. Unfortunately the exhibition at Somerset House has now closed but one can only hope that this exhibition will tour the world. Blow had global fashion influence and was a key 20th century figure in the industry it seems only right that the exhibition travels.

"I do historical research, I find unbalanced people, I choose photographers and places to shoot them."

Blow.

This quote sets the tone for whole exhibition. Picking up on four key aspects of Blows life, her family history and the life she almost had, her own issues with mental health, and the way her life and her story were an inspiration for the artists and designers around her whilst she also found mutual inspiration in them.

When you enter the exhibition, you are faced with the haunting silhouette of Blow in front of you. It is a piece created by Tim Noble and Sue Webster that usually resides in the National Portrait Gallery. Formed using objects relevant to Blows life such as a stuffed woodcock, lipstick and a Manolo Blahnik heel. It immediately creates the presence of Blow and this is something that is felt throughout the exhibition.

Unlike other retrospective exhibitions, that focus on an artist or designers work, this is personal. You get to know Blow from birth, through career, life and death and the emotion builds until you are faced with a final video. This is of Alexander McQueens 2008 collection 'Le Dame Bleue'. McQueen and milliner, Philip Treacy were both discovered by Blow and their work is heavily featured throughout the exhibition. They collaborated within the collection as a tribute, not to a colleague, but to a friend.

Polaroids taken by Blow. 

A piece from McQueens '96 'Dante' collection.

There is so much more that could be said about the exhibition but I feel that this was something that should be seen and felt in person. I've got my fingers crossed the exhibition travels for you!

S. x