Blow by Blow: The Story of Isabella Blow

“One of the most original and influential people of the twentieth century to me and many others.” —Alexander McQueen

With a career spanning thirty years in fashion, as an influential voice at Vogue, Tatler, and The Sunday Times Magazine—as well as a legacy as one of the industry’s kingmakers for discovering Philip Treacy, Alexander McQueen, Sophie Dahl, and Hussein Chalayan—Isabella Blow had been a pillar of couture culture until her suicide in 2007 left the fashion world mourning one of its finest friends and patrons. Blow by Blow is a captivating journey through Issie’s life, a one-of-a-kind look at her unforgettable impact on the fashion world, and a moving exploration of her inspiring and ultimately tragic tale.
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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.

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“One of the most original and influential people of the twentieth century to me and many others.” - The late Alexander McQueen

“Over the years, whenever Issy would call me up to urge me to see someone new, I would do it because she thought it was important.” - Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, American Vogue

“You were a one off, a genius friend, your own creation in a world of copycats and I will miss you for the rest of my life.” - Rupert Everett, in his eulogy at Isabella Blow's funeral

“She was original, impactful, generous-minded and spotted some of the greatest talents.” - Geordie Greig, Editor of the Evening Standard and formerly editor of Tatler

“She was the most intelligent and creative person in fashion. In many ways she was the British queen of fashion. She was intoxicating. You could never get enough of her. She was a free spirit.” - Philip Treacy

“A true fashion original, Blow was one of the industry’s most eccentric and outrageous characters.” - Daily Telegraph

“She discovered Sophie Dahl sobbing in a doorway; she bought Alexander McQueen’s entire degree show, and had Philip Treacy design her wedding hat when she married Detmar Blow in 1988 - as well as being credited with discovering Hussein Chalayan and Stella Tennant.” - Vogue

“Mourned the world over by an industry that has lost a Muse with whom there was never a dull moment.” - Daily Mail

“A legend in her own lifetime.” - Elle