A Gothic homage to late fashion icon

by Fisun GunerThursday, 23 September 2010

The portrait brings out the 'gothic quality' in Isabella Blow's personality, say the artistsPhoto: Andy Keate

A grisly "shadow portrait" of the late fashion muse and stylist Isabella Blow goes on show today at the National Portrait Gallery. Crafted from taxidermied animals, including a raven, a species of rat linked to the black death and a snake, as well as Blow’s trademark bright lipstick and a heel from one of her Manolo Blahnik shoes, the portrait shows the sitter’s head on a stake.

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