I have been a fan of Isabella Blow for several years, and as many, I was sad when she passed away in 2007. Recently, there have been several books written about her, and after reading these I started to think about women with a distinct sense of style.

There are many out there with fashion sense, those with disposable income who can afford the best in fashion, those who are gifted and can spot that emerging talent just under the radar, those who work in the industry and see it everyday, and those rare few who have that fashion “DNA”.

To me Isabella was just that, born with fashion running through her veins, she could not live without it. It consumed her financially and emotionally. She lived, breathed, discovered and nurtured it. Funny, she did not consider herself beautiful and often times wore hats that covered her face. To me she was a rare beauty.

When I think of others who fall in this category, there are two other women who immediately come to mind. One is Anna Piaggi, a fashion editor of Italian Vogue and Lynn Yaeger former fashion reporter for The Village Voice.

Lynn Yaeger

My idea of beauty comes in many different forms, not only what you see on the outside, but also on the inside. These women are creative, expressive, confident, risk takers, passionate, talented and know their stuff!

Some people find beauty in the idea of the perfect woman; think Kate Moss, Gisele Bundchen, and Heidi Klum. Sometimes we get caught up in natural beauty, youth and perfection, and sadly lose sight of individuality, courage, passion, to live life and love fashion.

Visit Advanced Style to meet more rare beauties.