Fashion Stylist Isabella Blow Dies *UPDATE* Suicide Confirmed
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Looks like she committed suicide.
Isabella Blow told doctors she had taken weedkiller
10th May 2007
Tests on the body of fashion guru Isabella Blow show she took weed killer before she died, a coroner revealed today.
The 48-year-old stylist had told doctors just before her death that she had ingested the deadly herbicide paraquat, Gloucestershire deputy coroner David Doole said.
He was opening the inquest into the death of Mrs Blow, of Painswick, Gloucestershire, and heard evidence of identification and post mortem findings before adjourning until 24 October. Further toxicological tests were to be completed before then. Mrs Blow, whose funeral will be held next Tuesday in Gloucester Cathedral where she was married died in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on Monday.
Before she died, Isabella Blow told doctors she had taken weedkiller, an inquest heard today
Coroners officer Terry Onions told todays hearing that he had visited to the hospital mortuary yesterday, where the body of Mrs Blow was formally identified to him by Julian Jones, her neighbour and friend for the past 12 years.
Deputy coroner Dooley said he was satisfied her body had been correctly identified. He added: "Mrs Blow had been taken to hospital on Saturday 5 May having been found in a poorly state by her sister. In hospital she told doctors she had taken paraquat and tests proved positive for this liquid.
"The initial cause of death was given by the pathologist, Professor Neil Shepherd, as death from the effects of a drug overdose.
"I have queried this with the Professor and he says that is the right way of describing the pharmacological effect of any chemical on the body.
"We will need to take formal statements and investigate all the circumstances and this will be dealt with in the interim before the main inquest, he said. Toxicological tests are also to be carried out."
Mrs Blow, who was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, had made two suicide attempts in the past once by throwing herself from the Hammersmith flyover in west London.
Last weekend she had hosted a party at her Cotswolds home for guests including Royal Milliner Philip Treacy and his partner Stefan. During the weekend, however, it is believed she said she was "going shopping" but is instead took the paraquat.
Famous for her passion for wearing flamboyant hats and blood-red lipstick, Mrs Blow was once described as one of the 20 most important people in fashion. She began her career in 1981 as an assistant to Anna Wintour, now editor-in-chief of American Vogue.
Isabella Blow told doctors she had taken weedkiller
10th May 2007
Tests on the body of fashion guru Isabella Blow show she took weed killer before she died, a coroner revealed today.
The 48-year-old stylist had told doctors just before her death that she had ingested the deadly herbicide paraquat, Gloucestershire deputy coroner David Doole said.
He was opening the inquest into the death of Mrs Blow, of Painswick, Gloucestershire, and heard evidence of identification and post mortem findings before adjourning until 24 October. Further toxicological tests were to be completed before then. Mrs Blow, whose funeral will be held next Tuesday in Gloucester Cathedral where she was married died in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on Monday.
Before she died, Isabella Blow told doctors she had taken weedkiller, an inquest heard today
Coroners officer Terry Onions told todays hearing that he had visited to the hospital mortuary yesterday, where the body of Mrs Blow was formally identified to him by Julian Jones, her neighbour and friend for the past 12 years.
Deputy coroner Dooley said he was satisfied her body had been correctly identified. He added: "Mrs Blow had been taken to hospital on Saturday 5 May having been found in a poorly state by her sister. In hospital she told doctors she had taken paraquat and tests proved positive for this liquid.
"The initial cause of death was given by the pathologist, Professor Neil Shepherd, as death from the effects of a drug overdose.
"I have queried this with the Professor and he says that is the right way of describing the pharmacological effect of any chemical on the body.
"We will need to take formal statements and investigate all the circumstances and this will be dealt with in the interim before the main inquest, he said. Toxicological tests are also to be carried out."
Mrs Blow, who was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer, had made two suicide attempts in the past once by throwing herself from the Hammersmith flyover in west London.
Last weekend she had hosted a party at her Cotswolds home for guests including Royal Milliner Philip Treacy and his partner Stefan. During the weekend, however, it is believed she said she was "going shopping" but is instead took the paraquat.
Famous for her passion for wearing flamboyant hats and blood-red lipstick, Mrs Blow was once described as one of the 20 most important people in fashion. She began her career in 1981 as an assistant to Anna Wintour, now editor-in-chief of American Vogue.
there is a article in the UK paper the express today abouy her death. i didnt realise she had treid to take her own lif before. severl years ago she jumped off ealing bridge and broke her feet,she couldnt wer heels after that.
From what I understand, she did not have such a stable career. I also read that even though she arranged Gucci Group's purchase of Alexander McQueen's company, she recieved no stock option or contract or anything. Also, she and her husband were having problems because they unsuccessfully tried in vetro several times and her husband had an affair. All the same, it's such a shame. She was so talented and unique and never recieved the recognition that she deserved. Rest in peace, Isabella.
Even at her funeral, Isabella Blow managed to have the most spectacular hat in the room.
Some of fashion's biggest names gathered to say their farewells to the style guru known for her love of eccentric headgear and red lipstick.
Though many wore extravagant creations in tribute, none could top the black sailing ship bonnet adorning the coffin. It was the work of milliner Philip Treacy, one of many whose careers she helped launch.
Some of fashion's biggest names gathered to say their farewells to the style guru known for her love of eccentric headgear and red lipstick.
Though many wore extravagant creations in tribute, none could top the black sailing ship bonnet adorning the coffin. It was the work of milliner Philip Treacy, one of many whose careers she helped launch.
