was to be sold by the auction house Christieâ€s

newly announced muse for and face of Nars Cosmetics†fall campaign

The late Alexander McQueen and Isabella Blow in a photo by David LaChapelle

“The planned sale at Christie’s could only result in carnage, as souvenir seekers plundered the incredible body of work Issie had created over her life,” the statement said. “Indeed, in many ways, the auction would not be merely a sale of clothes; it would be a sale of what was left of Issie, and the carrion crows would gather and take away her essence forever.”

Guinness†interpretation of Blowâ€s wardrobe as a symbol of the life of the woman she affectionately called “Issie” seems fair given the famous editorâ€s devotion to fashion and impressive collection. Guinness said she consulted Blow’s family, including hat designer Philip Treacy – for whom Blow served as a muse, Lady Amanda Harlech and David LaChapelle before committing to purchase the entire collection, and she said they supported her decision. She also said she plans to preserve the collection the way she believes Blow would have wanted it to be kept. {LookBooks}

“I would like this unique collection, marked by her grace and the fact it was so intimately hers, to allow people (whether students, lovers of fashion, historians) to remember her and benefit from her legacy, when we who knew and loved Issie are no longer here,” Guinness said. “In this way all of Issie’s friends, known or unknown, near or far, both those she chose and those who identify with her, will have access to something that no one should be afraid to call by its proper name: Isabella Blow’s Work of Art.”

Based on this statement, we hope to eventually see Blowâ€s collection displayed for the public in a museum – perhaps at the V&A Museum in London where Grace Kellyâ€s wardrobe was recently shown. Christieâ€s did not do anything wrong by intending to auction Blowâ€s clothing, but we are pleased to know there may be the opportunity to view the collection in its entirety at some point, thus offering a glimpse into Blowâ€s life as well as the beauty of the pieces she accumulated.

Next up in eBay’s fight to attract the attention of fashionistas is Fashion Vault, a series of exclusive, limited-time-only sales offering eBay members incredible discounts on designer duds — and with free shipping to boot!

On sale now (and ending tomorrow morning) is DKNY, with up to 70% savings on some really great finds, like a Cape Cod-cool relaxed-fit twill peacoat, $129.99, and a pair of lovely secretary-chic Mary Jane pumps — a steal at $159.99 for genuine croc leather!

Sales are very short (only two or three days) and merchandise is limited, so your best bet is to sign up with eBay to receive Fashion Vault updates whenever new sales crop up.  Brands are kept secret till sales begin, so keep your eyes peeled and your trigger finger limber!

For more information, visit Fashion Vault on eBay.

Remember these magnificent alien/mermaid McQueen shoes?

Of course you do, and if you’re like us you’re still fantasizing about how to get your mitts on these incredible lobster-claw/satyr-hoof/sea-monster concoctions so you can stop traffic every week in the cereal aisle.  (Imagine never needing help reaching the top shelf ever again!)

To the surprise of … well, everyone, Alexander McQueen has actually been getting countless calls from women (besides Lady Gaga) absolutely coveting these works of art and wanting to know how they can get them into their closets.  No official word yet on how McQueen will be distributing runway samples to the few lucky ladies, but tentative plans point to auction-style distribution.

Read the full story {Grazia}

In order to rebrand itself as a viable shopping source, today eBay will be unveiling The Inside Source, an online fashion and lifestyle magazine which will present current fashion and pop culture trends, in turn directing customers to certain items and vendors that fit within those trends.

The idea seems like a smart move for eBay, as it will certainly give the site a more polished, stylish update — but we wonder how The Inside Source will be marketed in order to bring in people who normally wouldn’t shop on eBay.

Read the full story {Bits Blog via NY Times}