First look at Olivia Colman in new Alexander McQueen film about fashion's most tragic friendship

They were the ultimate partnership who together led the fashion world into a new era.

Now Alexander McQueen and Isabella Blow's relationship, which they once described as a 'love affair', is being brought to the screen in a biopic starring Russell Tovey and Olivia Colman.

Ms Colman, 52, transformed into the late Ms Blow during filming in London, wearing a black fishnet headpiece and bold red lipstick. Tovey, 44, sported a blue check shirt and jeans as he played McQueen.

Directed by Andrew Haigh, Wild Bird – which does not yet have a release date – centres on the bond between designer McQueen and Ms Blow, the fashion editor credited with discovering him. It sees her take him on a road trip and promises a 'new, interpretive approach to one of fashion's most storied relationships'.

In real life, Ms Blow served as McQueen's mentor and muse until their friendship fell apart when he became Givenchy's head designer and didn't give her a role at the fashion house.

When she died by suicide at 48 in 2007, McQueen dedicated his next show to her. He took his own life aged 40 in 2010.