Blow by Blow: The Story of Isabella Blow. Detmar Blow with Tom Sykes - Softcover

Detmar Blow

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007353138 ISBN 13: 9780007353132

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2011

Synopsis

A life of extreme tragedy and remarkable inspiration, the story of Isabella Blow is a dramatic and compelling tale of a courageous icon.Isabella Blow was the epitome of English eccentricity. A legendary figure in the fashion world, she nurtured and championed the talent of some of fashions most recognisable and important figures, all the time hiding her own personal unhappiness and severe depression. The news of her tragic death in 2007, aged 48, shocked the international fashion world.Her thirty year career in fashion began as Anna Wintour's assistant at American Vogue, and took in stints as fashion director of Tatler and Fashion Editor of The Sunday Times Magazine. But she is perhaps best-known for the iconic images of her in Philip Treacy's hats, the first of two designers to launch his career from the basement of Isabella and Detmar Blow's house. With similar passion and verve, Isabella enthusiastically displayed her admiration for young designer Alexander McQueen, buying his entire first collection after he graduated from Central St Martins, in a move that many believe launched his career.Detmar Blow was engaged to Isabella sixteen days after they first met in 1988, and the couple remained married until her death. In this visually stunning portrait, Detmar and Tom reveal the truth about the intriguing world of Isabella, providing incredible behind-the-scenes insight into the world of fashion and high-society, as well as tracing her ancestry and early childhood, offering a fresh and penetrating look at her domestic life, and celebrating her incredible achievements.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

The news of Isabella Blow’s suicide in 2007 shocked the international fashion world. A true patron of couture, she is credited with having discovered and fostered the careers of famed designers Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy, among others, becoming their great muse, friend, and confidante. She also discovered models Stella Tennant and Sophie Dahl, yet it was images of Issie in these designers’ creations that became instantly iconic. Isabella’s aristocratic ancestry was as colorful as her manner of dress, her childhood was adventurous and, at times, tragic, and her thirty-year career in fashion was legendary.

Written with compassion, adoration, and deep insight by Detmar Blow, her devoted husband of eighteen years, in collaboration with writer Tom Sykes. Blow by Blow is, at once, an outrageous behind-the-scenes romp through the worlds of fashion and high society, and a poignantly candid view of the tortured inner life of a rare and conflicted spirit.

About the Author:

Educated at Harrow School and the London School of Economics, Detmar Blow studied law and became a barrister in 1989. In 1998 he, Isabella, and Stuart Shave set up the gallery Modern Art, one of London’s most successful contemporary art galleries. He and Isabella established Blow de la Barra gallery in 2005. Detmar divides his time among Lisbon, London, and Gloucestershire.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0007353138
• ISBN 13: 9780007353132
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 293