The Blonds
“The Blonds,” created by Phillipe and David Blond, are known for craftsmanship and diverse materials used juxtaposed with hardware such as spikes and chains. A corset is a signature piece found in most of their collections. Celebrity clientele consists of Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Rhianna, Katy Perry, Nicky Manaj, Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé and more. “The Blonds” have collaborated with companies such as Disney, NBC, Universal, Warner Bros., Lexus, Motorola, MAC Cosmetics, Christian Louboutin, Revlon, Moulin Rouge, Playboy and Barbies for Mattel. For New York City fashion week. The Blonds shows a star-studded celebrity and influencer cast on the runway.
What are your first memories of fashion?
Phillipe: Playing dress up with my Barbies as a kid was one of my favorite things to do and my introduction into fashion.
David: “The Cher Show,” “Wonder Woman,” “Dynasty,” “Charlie's Angels,” and Madonna on MTV, of course.
What motivated you to start your own brand?
We were constantly making our own clothes to go out at night and under the guidance of Patricia Field we made our first collection, which we sold at her iconic store, Hotel Venus.
What is your most memorable collaboration?
All of our collaborations have been so memorable and fun in their own ways. It’s hard to choose! We’ve been so lucky to partner with some amazing companies, but Disney Villains was pretty iconic.
Where do you get your inspiration?
From everywhere! Inspiration can be found in anything. Usually, we take it from old Hollywood movies, all genres of music and, of course, our beloved New York City.
How does your creative process differ when designing costumes vs. ready-to-wear?
We really try to inject glamour and sparkle into everything we design, so that even a t-shirt has some bling or be wearing a print that is sure to make you stand out in a crowd.
How do you want people to feel when wearing/looking at your designs?
When our clients wear our designs, we want them to feel powerful and glamorous!
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being a designer?
Seeing our creations on stage or on a red carpet is always thrilling. The most challenging has to be tight deadlines, but that is usually par for the course.
What failure did you learn the most from?
That is what we call redirection, when one door closes, just break a fucking window.
Is it easy to let work consume your entire life? How do you achieve a work-life balance?
Sometimes it is difficult because we eat, live, and breathe “The Blonds,” but it’s important to have downtime and we try to reconnect with nature in any way we can, most of the time that’s a beach.
What is something you wish you knew when you first started “The Blonds?”
Every day we learn. But this journey is everything we thought it would be and more.
What do fashion and the freedom of self-expression mean to you?
Fashion allows you to express yourself and allows us to explore all facets. There really are no rules.
What advice you would give to the next generation in fashion?
Seek out mentors who inspire you and only take the advice that aligns with your goals. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and your vision.
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Videographer: Zapman Creative Haus
Fashion Styling & all Clothing by The Blonds
Hair + Makeup: Phillipe Blond
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Angie Hines, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
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