A Look at Why BLONDS Really Do Have More Fun
By Eden Herbstman
Fall 2012
(As seen in PMc Magazine, September 2012)
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The concept of having a “blonde moment” has forever changed since Phillipe and David of
The Blonds
stepped into the fashion world in 2008. Almost five years later the
design duo have created The Blonds empire, synonymous with glitz,
glamour, and all-around fabulousness. Part designers, part couturiers,
and part costumers, their runway shows are one of the most highly
anticipated of the fashion week season. They always seem to out-do the
previous season.
As
the go-to designers for modern day divas, pop stars, and
style icons–and here we have to drop a few names: Katy Perry, Kim
Kardashian, Rihanna, Fergie, Lady Gaga, etc.–they had the pleasure of
giving the most notorious blonde icon of all time, Barbie herself, the
Blond makeover. Out in December, Matel will release Blond Diamond
Barbie.
But rest assured those non-blondes out there who still want to have
all the fun, like Phillipe says: “You don’t have to be a blonde to be a
blond.”
Eden Herbstman: You’ve told us before that Barbie is one of
your style inspirations, and like a dream come true you have teamed up
with Matel to make your own Barbie. Your Blond Diamond Barbie is wearing
the finale dress worn by Candice Swaenpole in 2008, out of all your
creations why did you choose this look?
The Blonds: Absolutely! This partnership is a childhood dream come
true. Barbie played a huge role in our lives as children and still does.
We’re both avid Barbie collectors. She’s the ultimate client. Blond
Diamond Barbie is the epitome of over the top luxury and fantasy. Barbie
is the doll who has it all! So, accordingly, we chose a look for her
that is EVERYTHING! She is a reflection of the finale look from our
Legends collection. These pieces came from our love of all things having
to do with legendary Blonds. Marlene Dietrech’s famous Vegas coat,
Marilyn Monroe meets Jerry Hall’s hair, and Phillipe’s personal make-up
look and diamond jewelry all played a role in designing this Barbie. For
our first massive collaboration with one of the world’s most
famous Blond, it was the perfect choice.
EH: Last season was the first time menswear
was incorporated into your shows. Any reason why you waited so long, and
can we expect to see more hot male models tapping into their inner
Blond this season?
TB: You’ll have to wait and see! It’s something we’d been thinking
about for a while, and after collaborating with Adam Lambert, more men
started placing orders. There has always been a void in the menswear
market and now men are more open to something new and different. The
timing was perfect!
EH: Do you feel you have any limits in your designs, where something is too sexy and revealing, or do you think your clothing and vision defies limitations?
TB: In The Blonds world, everything is possible and there are no limits.
EH: Aside from being the go-to designers for
today’s top musical talents, music itself is extremely important to you
both. Who are some current favorites of yours?
TB: It’s always a big mash-up of Azealia Banks, Celia Cruz, Beyonce,
Grimes, Kylie, Almodovar soundtracks, Zebra Katz ft. Njena Reddd Foxxx,
Charli XCX, Madonna, Rihanna, Christina, Alien Alien
, and of course Katy Perry! We could go on forever…
EH: After all the fashion week craziness, where do you go to for relaxation, or do you feel that you there is no break from fashion?
TB: There is no relaxation! On top of regular client orders, we’re
always working on the next season. This season is particularly busy
because we will be showing twice, once for NYFW, and Puerto Rico High
Fashion Week has also invited us to show on September 22nd. So there
will be no downtime, but we love what we do and never get enough!
EH: Did you envision in 2008 when you put
out your first collection that 5 years later you would have achieved
the success you have today?
TB: To us, success means being allowed the opportunity to do what you
love. We’re so grateful for every adventure life has to offer and look
forward to the future.
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The Blonds are a fashion design duo made up of David and Phillipe
Blond. They are known for their glamorous looks worn by the likes of
Lady Gaga, Fergie, and Katy Perry.
LINKS:
The Blonds Official Website
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Written by Eden Herbstman
Edited by Tyler Malone
Photography by Mike Ruiz / Courtesy of MAO PR
Design by Marie Havens
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Captions
The Blonds, Photography by Mike Ruiz / Courtesy of MAO PR