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One of the only breaks we took during fashion week, where we decided to just sit down and watch, was at The BlondsFall 08 fashion show. Most of America will think of Betsey Johnson as the wild and crazy show to watch, but the true fashionistas know that lesser known, downtown labels like The Blonds really know how to pack the punch. The Fall 08 show, held at the Prince George Ballroom, revealed a collection inspired by the movie Legend (Naturally, we included the famous unicorn apology scene below). The theme safely queued up The Blonds penchant for flamboyant, embellished, glamorous costumery and gave this season an extra push towards unicorns, rainbow colored gemstones, and big hair (nothin' wrong with that). The more traditional garments in the collection could easily be worn to an elegant black tie occasion, and the most wild in the collection, at the best clubs in New York City. If your a Blond girl, you'll have a little bit of both thankyouverymuch.
Phillipe and David Blond launched the label just four years ago. Each piece in their collection is handmade and one of a kind. As wild as some of their pieces are, we aren't surprised that the collection gets snatched up quickly. The thing about people who like to wear outrageous garments with extra special details is that they aren't exactly the type to, well, share. Funnily enough, Phillipe Blond started his design career working for Los Angeles based label DDC Lab, known for a utility-based aesthetic that doesn't exactly involve bedazzled corsets (though he was an illustrator, so perhaps that was the, ahem, draw) or club-ready clothing. David Blonde was a windows man for ten years in New York City. Now, the two are wholeheartedly The Blonds and bring that persona from Fashion Week, to the drafting table, to the dance floor, and back.
The Blonds Fall 08 Fashion Show
Coutorture original editorial, backstage at The Blonds Fall 08 show
With white cherry blossoms on white washed trees the setting was serene. A mix of almost autumnal ochre, cocoa and eggshell separates in cotton and wool silk made for a unique start for traditionally more brighter resort collections. The jaunty round brimmed riding caps that accompanied the first few looks were also surprisingly fetching and an accessory that was positively unexpected as we associate anything equestrian with colder weather collections. But of course Oscar doesn't leave his customers wanting. For women looking for a little more traditional fare corals, yellows, blues, pink, and bright emerald colors along with Caribbean prints are sure to please anyone looking to stand out.
We fell in love with a high waisted ivory silk pant that was part of a larger section that incorporated soothing white and black organza, silk, and lace pieces. The neutrals are an excellent way to enjoy the collection far beyond its expected season as they worked beautifully as basics for any season. We can see these pieces being extremely popular with pragmatic and high powered women executives who are certainly primed with disposable income and looking to incorporate fashion into office wear.
The most expressive pieces were undoubtedly the voluminousgowns that quite literally had a five foot radius thanks to puffy organza and tulle.
Accessories were a strong complement to the collection, no doubt in line with Oscar's amazing ability to combine commercial appeal and aesthetic acumen. We were particularly enamored of straw sandals and espadrilles, particularly flatter versions which felt like Tom's Shoes for a much fancier crowd. Bag fans will find the much loved Goya and Bombay bags in new materials and colors.
Mario-Luca Carlucci and Peter Strateas' line Trimápee feels like the Australian Alexander Wang. Confusing, quirky, outlandish and dark their label certainly jives with their aim of promoting eclectic artistic thinking. Conceptual, thematic and expressive their work is not meant to be conventionally pretty despite being infinitely wearable to a certain kind of fashionista. They launched their debut collection in 2005 and are continuing strongly with the Trimapee SS 2008/09 collection.
Dark, moody, and deconstructed the collection channeled the early 90s grunge vibe that has been so strongly showing across global fashion weeks. Like Wang, the layering and styling is what made the collection appealing to us. This lifestyle collection will likely prove popular.
One of the only breaks we took during fashion week, where we decided to just sit down and watch, was at The Blonds Fall 08 fashion show. Most of America will think of Betsey Johnson as the wild and crazy show to watch, but the true fashionistas know that lesser known, downtown labels like The Blonds really know how to pack the punch. The Fall 08 show, held at the Prince George Ballroom, revealed a collection inspired by the movie Legend (Naturally, we included the famous unicorn apology scene below). The theme safely queued up The Blonds penchant for flamboyant, embellished, glamorous costumery and gave this season an extra push towards unicorns, rainbow colored gemstones, and big hair (nothin' wrong with that). The more traditional garments in the collection could easily be worn to an elegant black tie occasion, and the most wild in the collection, at the best clubs in New York City. If your a Blond girl, you'll have a little bit of both thankyouverymuch.
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