Isabella Blow
Fashion editor and patron who championed Alexander McQueen
Isabella Blow was a British fashion editor and patron, best known for championing Alexander McQueen and the milliner Philip Treacy at the start of their careers. As fashion director of Tatler and The Sunday Times Style, she became one of the most influential talent spotters in British fashion.
| Role | Fashion editor and patron |
|---|---|
| Born | 1958 |
| Died | 2007 |
| Positions | Tatler, British Vogue, The Sunday Times Style |
| Championed | Alexander McQueen, Philip Treacy |
| Exhibition | Fashion Galore!, Somerset House, 2013 to 2014 |
Who is Isabella Blow?
Isabella Blow (1958 to 2007) was a British fashion editor, stylist and patron whose eye for talent helped launch several of the most important British designers and models of the 1990s. Somerset House described her as a renowned fashion patron and tastemaker, 'credited for having nurtured and inspired numerous artists and designers'. She is most closely associated with Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy.
Career
Blow began her career of around three decades in the early 1980s as an assistant at American Vogue, working for Anna Wintour and for André Leon Talley. She then held positions at Tatler and British Vogue, later becoming fashion director of The Sunday Times Style and returning to Tatler in the same role.
Her most famous act of patronage came when she bought Alexander McQueen's entire graduate collection from Central Saint Martins, reportedly for £5,000, and went on to support his early career. She also championed Philip Treacy, whose hats she wore and promoted, and supported designers including Hussein Chalayan and Julien Macdonald. She is credited with discovering the models Sophie Dahl and Stella Tennant.
As a stylist she collaborated with photographers including Steven Meisel, David LaChapelle and Sean Ellis. With Meisel she created the 1993 editorial 'Babes in London'. In 2002 an exhibition, When Philip met Isabella, showcased Treacy's designs for her. She also worked as a consultant for companies including DuPont, Lycra, Lacoste and Swarovski.
Influence on the fashion business
Blow represented a model of patronage that combined editorial influence with personal commitment. Her impact on the industry can be seen in several ways:
- She helped bring a new generation of London talent to international attention in the 1990s
- She showed how an editor's endorsement could turn a graduate collection into a brand
- She used styling and editorial shoots as a platform for young designers
- She connected designers with photographers, models and commercial partners
From November 2013 to March 2014 Somerset House in London staged Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!, an exhibition of more than 100 pieces from her collection, which is owned by Daphne Guinness.
Why it matters
For today's fashion business, Blow's career is a case study in how early stage talent is discovered and supported. Many of the designers she backed went on to lead major houses or build significant businesses. Her legacy is a reminder that editors, stylists and patrons play a decisive role in the industry's talent pipeline, alongside investors and schools.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Isabella Blow?
Isabella Blow was a British fashion editor and patron who worked at American Vogue, Tatler, British Vogue and The Sunday Times Style. She is best known for championing Alexander McQueen and the milliner Philip Treacy.
How did Isabella Blow discover Alexander McQueen?
Blow bought McQueen's entire graduate collection from Central Saint Martins, reportedly for £5,000, and supported his early career. The episode is one of the best known examples of editorial patronage in fashion.