Exhibit: Fashion Blows!

Isabella Blow Fashion Exhibition Review

After watching the gruesome and hilarious annual Zombie Walk in Toronto on Queen Street West, I wanted to look at prettier things and decided to visit the amazing Fashion Blows exhibit at Hudson's Bay on Queen Street West.

Fashion Blows is a curated exhibition displaying some of the unique fashion collection of the iconic UK style editor Isabella Blow. Her eccentric fashion sense was over-the-top and amazing and her flair for dramatic hats was legendary.

Philip Treacy Snakeskin Print Dome Hat, 2004

Alexander McQueen Tartan Dress, Fall/Winter 2006

Undercover by Jun Takahashi Pink Burka, Spring/Summer 2003

Philip Treacy Red Butterfly Mask, 2006

Black Jacket: Comme Des Garcons, Fall/Winter 2004; Pink Tulle Skirt: Comme Des Garcons, Spring/Summer 2005; Philip Treacy Black Net Sculpted Hat, Fall/Winter 1999

Isabella Blow, who committed suicide in 2007, was not just known for her wild sense of style, but for discovering and launching the careers of many fashion industry heavyweights including Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy. Her 30-year career started as Anna Wintour's assistant at Vouge. She later moved back to London, England where she worked at Sunday Times Style and then Tatler as Fashion Director.

Coat: John Galliano for Christain Dior, Fall/Winter 2003; Dress: Aptug Varug; Philip Treacy Pink Feather Hat, 2006

Deborah Milner Silver Bustier Dress, 1999; 1930's Monkey Fur Jacket

Alexander McQueen Black Cowhide Dress, Spring/Summer 2002

Alexander Light Green Dress, Spring/Summer 1999

Benoit Meleard Shoes, 2000

The pieces in this exhibit are owned by long time friend of Isabella Blow, Dauphne Guinness, who bought up Blow's wardrobe when it went up for auction in 2010. The exhibit includes 55 pieces, including 15 hats and a few accessories and shoes. Designers represented include McQueen, Treacy, as well as Dior and Galliano, and others. As well as the impressive fashions, there is rare archived footage of interviews and fashion shows played on screens throughout the exhibit. Also showcased are a few fantastic pieces from Dauphne Guinness's own wardrobe.

From Daphne Guinness' Collection: Alexander McQueen, Fall/Winter 2010

From Daphne Guinness' Collection: Gareth Pugh

From Daphne Guinness' Collection: Gareth Pugh

I loved this exhibition! I was completely surprised with the size of Fashion Blows. Since it is on display within a retail environment, I was expecting it to be tiny. I am very impressed with, not only the size of the exhibit, but how it was presented and displayed. I also loved the pieces chosen. I remember reading the style sections and fashion magazines and seeing Isabella Blow wearing them. Fashion Blows is only here for a short time and runs until October 31, 2014.

Left: Bolero: Alexander McQueen, Spring/summer 2004; Alexander McQueen Dress, Fall/Winter 1997; Right: Alexander McQueen Dusty Pink Dress, Fall/Winter 2002

Teerabul Songvich, Central Saint Martins BA Graduate Collection, 1999; Philip Treacy Cut out Mouths Hat, Spring/Summer 2003

P.s!: This exhibit is free and open to the public! Also, proceeds from the opening Gala went to the Isabella Blow Foundation, which supports new fashion talent and research into depression and mental health.

P.s,

Melanie!