Photo Credit: Isabella Blow by Martina Rink book cover. Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

Isabella Blow was a style icon, international magazine editor, former assistant to Anna Wintour and noted style muse to Philip Treacy.

She is credited for discovering and nurturing talent near and wide, such as the likes of the late Alexander McQueen, Sophie Dahl, Hussein Chalayan and Philip Treacy etc.

The fashion industry and the world at large lost this shining, enigmatic talent, incredible eye, arbiter of style and natural mentor when she tragically committed suicide in 2007.

Photo Credit: Martina Rink. Image by Billa Baldwin

Till her death, her personal assistant was Martina Rink, as pictured above. Martina met Isabella at the Savoia in Milan and is now the fashion director of Mode Magazine. She is a style consultant and also founded Fashion Spotlight, an agency based in Berlin.

This month, the much anticipated book, Isabella Blow by Martina Rink, as published by Thames & Hudson (image of cover as seen above in first image) was launched to good reviews.

The hardcover book pays homage to Blow through a collection of letters by her closest family, friends including some of the biggest names in fashion such as Manolo Blahnik and Mario Testino. With foreword by beloved milliner, Philip Treacy, the book also includes images by the worlds most renowned photographers.

Rink’s book also features a transcript of the speech Anna Wintour gave at Blow’s funeral in 2007.

With these contributions from the people who loved and knew her best, the book by Rink comes across as it were written by them all as a collective.

I was honoured to interview Martina Rink with reference to the book that celebrates Blow. Please read on for her incredibly honest and insightful answers.

1. Hello Martina, Thank you for the honour of this interview. I attended the recent London launch of your book, ‘Isabella Blow’. You worked as personal assistant to the late Isabella Blow till her tragic passing. What inspired you to write your book now?

Hello Marian, I hope you had a good time at our book launch? I remember Issy wishing and stating several times to be remembered as an icon, therefore it has been logic to go and do the book in this particular way.

Photo Credit: Martina Rink. Image by Billa Baldwin

2. Isabella Blow was truly a remarkable person. Seeing that she inspired and nurtured talent abound, how did you go about deciding what contributors and memories to include in the book?

I have kept collecting and then selected the most sincere and most beautiful contributions with a small circle of Issy’s closest friends and family.

Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

3. What are your favourite contributions/letters in the book?

ALL, each complements the other, however it is a huge honour to have Philip contributed with the foreword .

4. Would you call the book a living tribute to her?

YES of course, and it is very educational for all kids outs there who are crazy for McQueen, but piss their pants when one asks if they ever heard the name Issy Blow.

5. How important was it for you, to set the tone of the book?

I had the idea, mission and vision, the book itself developed thanks to Paul Sloman & Philip what it is today. You know when you have so many amazing people contributing it can only be a success to work as a team and listen to each individual’s wishes and try to find a middle way to make the best for all involved.

6. What was the process of compiling it like personally for you?

Therapy, it helped me to understand Issy much better and why she has decided to go, I feel I am closer than ever to her these days!

7. On the cover is a stunning image of Isabella looking like a magnificent bird of prey by Donald McPherson. How did you settle on this as your cover image?

I must confess this has not been my personal first choice, but I got outnumbered so I went along with it, and I am so happy I did, I love it, the more I look at it the more I get thrilled about it, it is so powerful and that’s so ISABELLA BLOW > POWERFUL !

8. What are your thoughts on the other recently launched, books on Isabella?

I have heard about Lauren’s that it is meant to be really funny , and I only judge once I read all books , as I would not like people to talk about my book without actually reading it. Detmar (Detmar Blow was Isabella Blow’s husband) and myself started around the same time for our book research, he wished me well and has been kind ever since which I am grateful for. I am reading BLOW by BLOW at the moment, so you have to ask me more about this in a couple of days.

Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

9. How will you like for this book to be received?

I already received to me the most important feedback. The family, all her friends, the press and even people who doubted it in the beginning are all pleased which is pretty surreal and of course my publisher they are very delighted with the outcome and they have been a great support, but last and not least my wonderful family, friends and team they are really amazed and we all enjoy this wonderful achievement together.

Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

10. Did the fashion and creative industries grasp how inspiring and unique Isabella truly was?

No, this is why I did this book!!! I always felt that it is a crime if the world does not know Isabella Blow for what she has actually given to our world and the huge impact she had!

Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

Isabella Blow by Martina Rink is published by Thames & Hudson, priced £29.95 and available from all major bookshops.

More information on the book here.

Many kind thanks to Martina Rink.