This afternoon, the Telegraph reported that Isabella Blow‘s fashion collection was purchased in its entirety through a private sale at Christie’s in London. Blow, a British fashion editor and creative director, is best known for nurturing the talents of emerging designers, the most famous of them being Alexander McQueen.

The collection of clothing and photography was originally planned to go up for auction in September, and each piece would have been sold separately. In Hilary Alexander’s story for the Telegraph, she writes that “the buyer wishes to remain private, but is committed to keeping the collection together.”

Later, the New York Times added an interesting fact: The wardrobe, which includes 90 McQueen outfits, several early dresses by John Galliano, and over 50 hats by Philip Treacy, was bought by avant-garde heiress Daphne Guinness.

Christie’s PR would not confirm or deny that Guinness in fact purchased the collection, but it seems fitting that the fashion maven would want to keep Blow’s iconic compilation together. “It’s Issy – it’s her D.N.A, it should not be scattered to the four winds,” Guinness stated.

We really hope this means that Guinness plans to donate or lend the collection to a museum so that others can view it. Guinness plans to put her own collection of McQueen on display at FIT next September. Maybe Blow’s collection will be added to that exhibition?

We couldn’t agree more with Guinness’ sentiment that the Blow collection should be treated as a piece of fashion history. “Like any artist, it should not be dispersed, but remain as a monument with people having access to it,” she said.


Comments [7]

Thank god for Daphne Guinness! I was absolutely devastated when I heard about Isabella's clothes being auctioned. Hopefully the clothes will end up in an Isabella Blow exhibit sometime soon. Or maybe she bought the clothes so they can be used for the new Isabelle movie that's in the works?

I would not at all be surprised if Daphne bought the collection, and if anyone should, I feel like she might be the right fit for the job. She had the same extravagant style and appreciation for fashion that Blow did, hopefully she does something with the collection that honours Blow and the clothes and designers she treasured.http://tovogueorbust.blogspot.com/

My first thought when I heard it was going to be sold and possibly broken up was that Daphne was probably just going to buy it all, anyway. But, there should be an exhibit at Central St. Martins too, not just FIT.

This makes me feel a bit weepy. I'm glad she did this.

My esteem for Ms. Guinness has risen. And what a grand gesture too, to swoop in and buy up the whole lot.

I think it is absolutely fantastic that Daphne Guinness, a great style icon herself, has probably bought this collection. In addition to the McQueen items, obviously of terrific interest to Ms Guinness, the collection in total is a great snapshot of the most beautiful, significant and avant-garde fashion of an era. It is like part of the spirit of Isabella Blow will always be with us, in her hand-picked collection.

Can you imagine what an amazing collection that would be? I agree with all of you – I felt a bit sad knowing the collection was going to be auctioned. Ms Daphne Guinness is my hero. On another note, is there an Isabella Blow movie in the works??

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