McQueen rose is launched

A ROSE selected by the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen to honour his mentor Isabella Blow was launched yesterday.

McQueen selected the rose, now named Alexander's Issie, to pay tribute to his close friend, an international style pioneer, who died in 2007.

McQueen, who died in February, had been due to attend the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show to see the rose launched.

It will be presented to Ms Blow's sister, Julia Delves Broughton, who said: "My sister, Isabella, was passionate and totally dedicated to fashion but only her closest friends knew of her love of gardens, and in particular, roses.

"Their unique colour and beauty combined with their thorny nature greatly appealed to her and to her distinctive eye. She would have been extremely honoured to receive this wonderful gift from her most beloved friend, Alexander."