Isabella Blow at Somerset House

Isabella Blow is, and always will be, one of fashion's biggest characters. She came up through the ranks of fashion journalists to become universally respected for her vision and as one of the most recognisable figures in the industry. Red lipstick, extraordinary headwear and impractical clothes marked her out on the front row.  

The shoot that she styled for Vanity Fair was a real fashion moment for me. It was the perfect fusion of the most-noted names of the time - photographer David LaChapelle, designer Alexander McQueen and the most recognisable models of the moment. And it just went on and on. It was luxurious. Each image conjured a narrative. 

Sadly, Isabellla comitted suicide in 2007. The stream of unexpected and outrageous outfits was at it's end. But from today, her friend Daphne Guiness at last gives us access to 100 pieces from Blow's private collection at Somerset House.  What a treat. The exhibition opened today and will run until March so get down there and feast your eyes.