Lancé en 2007, The Blonds est la création fantaisiste du duo de design remorqué Phillipe et David Blond. Leur étiquette sur mesure, qui a commencé avec l’encouragement de Patricia Field, est connue pour ses bodys incrustés de pierres précieuses, ses mini-robes ornées de cristaux et de corsets ornés de pointes, de sequins et de chaînes. (En d’autres termes : tout à fait pratique, des choses terre-à-terre.) Depuis ses débuts, le label a attiré l’attention de célébrités, et les deux ont créé des pièces uniques pour Katy Perry, Lil’ Kim, Paris Hilton et Dita von Teese. Ils ont même relooké Barbie pour son 50e anniversaireen la portant avec une mini-robe ornée de diamants et une cape en fausse fourrure. À la veille de leur défilé de printemps à la semaine de la modeMade Fashion Week , les designers francs ont discuté avec nous de leur inspiration, de leur prochain défilé et de leur intention de créer une ligne de prêt-à-porter.
Phillipe, you were a makeup artist and freelance fashion illustrator. What made you start a clothing brand?
Phillipe Blond:
After David and I met, starting a line was a natural progression. We started making things because we couldn't find what we wanted to wear. Then friends started asking us to create pieces for them. Patricia Field was the first person to suggest producing a line. Her store houses one of the most eclectic collections of merchandise we've ever seen, so naturally we fit right in. Everything around us acted as a catalyst, and boom: The Blonds were born!
How do you keep your designs so energetic?
David Blond:
There is no other city like New York. It has this way of keeping you energized and inspired. No matter where we are or what time of day, it excites and sometimes shocks us. It is the perfect place for a creative person to be, and the City is always reflected in what we create.
How do you collaborate with each other?
PB:
Technically I play the role of head designer, and David is the creative director. Sometimes we have opposing views, but most of the time it's like we finish each other's sentences. Because we spend so much of our time with each other, the work blends together [into] a wild tapestry. Our pieces generally take four to six weeks to create; some can take longer.
You do custom pieces that are made to order. Do you have plans for a ready-to-wear line?
DB:
We are looking forward to designing ready-to-wear in the future—so stay tuned.
What do style and fashion mean to you?
PB:
I would rather have style than fashion.
What inspired your latest collection?
DB:
You'll have to see the show to find out!
What are some of your favorite places in New York City?
PB:
The
or
. We love the
on Wednesdays [the club hosts a party that night called “Feel Up”], and one of our favorite restaurants is
.
