British fashion icon Isabella Blow has died at the age of 48.

Blow is famed for discovering the talents of Philip Treacy, now a world famous milliner, and for launching fashion designer Alexander McQueen's career. She wore many flamboyant and eccentric hats throughout the years.

Blow worked for several magazines including US Vogue, The Sunday Times and Tatler. the latter's editor Geordie Greig said of the flamboyant fashion icon: "She was a fantastic character. It was like breathing electricity when she was in the room ... She had an amazing eye for seeking out the greatest talent and making the best results of it."

"She's left a huge void in the fashion world, she'll be hugely missed," Greig told Reuters.