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.


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

We also have impressive designer video interviews and original editorial spreads. May we cordially suggest perusing our selection? Enjoy New York Fashion Week Designer Video Interviews from Oscar De La Renta, Donna Karan for DKNY,Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, Nicole Miller, Erin Fetherston, Ashleigh Verrier , Adam Lippes, James Coviello, John Varvatos , Monique Lhuillier, Joanna Mastroianni, Tory Burch, Neeam Khan

Sure, it's probably the worst time of year to be editorializing extra-long fur coats but hey, sometimes you feel like a nut. When writing about the Jayson Brunsdon Spring/Summer 2008/09 show we'd made some reference to him being the sort of designer who is likely inspired by fashion icons like Marleine Deitrch. This, as any good blogger knows, had us searching Getty for her pictures and thus we bumped into a totally different usage of her on Coutorture. That is, we saw her wearing one magnificent long, white fur coat circa 1963. Where had we seen this coat before? The Blonds Fall 08 collection and our Glittering Cruelty photo shoot, of course. Is it just us or is fashion just one big conspiracy theory? Immaterial worthy if ever. Happy Monday.

Curious what it's like to hold, or get into, a corset from The Blonds Fall 08 collection? Let's just say it requires two to three people and, during the fitting, Megg Morales asked for water, 'but not too much because she wasn't sure it would fit down'. These corsets are, in more ways than one, breathtaking. Phillipe and David Blond helped style the shoot and put corsets and accessories together in ways not seen in the glossies or on the runway. The Blonds are, indeed, engaged with every aspect of their brand. From styling to throwing parties, making custom pieces for special clients to producing a proper runway show during New York Fashion Week, The Blonds are there, beautifully put together and with an enthusiasm that is nothing short of a miracle given their busy schedule. Below, find our interview with David Blond on what it's like to be a Blond, and, be sure to check out our review of The Blonds Fall 08 collection which includes both backstage and runway photo galleries.




What is everyday life like for The Blonds?
We wake up at 5am and bleach our roots while we read D-listed, check the Spacebook (Myspace & Face Book) and split a grapefruit...Phillipe usually visits his shoe collection while I check email and the rest of the day is a blur SPARKLES AND FAIRY DUST! LOL! Actually we've been extremely busy since the show in February. We're working on several projects right now including our Spring collection... We haven't had a break this year but I'm not complaining...bring it on!


As each of your pieces is one of a kind, we're curious how much time is spent dreaming up and creating each one. Can you tell us a little bit about how the design process for you differs from that of a designer who creates garments that will be produced in large quantities?
There are so many things we want to do and express that it takes no time at all...we've been dreaming all our lives and it's finally being realized. Normally our creative process starts with a feeling...Inspiration can come anytime, anywhere or from anything. Then we sketch like crazy and figure out how to make the pieces, instead of finding the materials first. Sometimes that makes it more difficult but in the end you're uninhibited during the creative process. That may be the difference as there are many creative limitations to mass production but we're open to it.. OF COURSE!


What do you love most about living in New York? How is that a direct correlation to your business?
New York has so much to love and it's a part of our souls...you can always tell a New Yorker. It doesn't matter where you’re from or who you are the people that live in this city where born to live here. There's no place on earth like it and it's great for our business because you can do or be anything...


What kind of woman buys or wears your pieces? Do they become friends of yours by doing so?
Every kind, women are our muse... Their femininity, strength and passion is the driving force behind what we do. There is a special relationship between women and the designers who dress them...it's even more intense when something is made for a particular person because their essence becomes part of the design.


What, besides your own creations, do you think is exciting in the world of design right now?
This is one of the most exciting times to be a designer, anything is possible and we're obsessed with Christian Louboutin!!!

For the Glittering Cruelty photo shoot with Phillipe and David Blond, makeup artist Timothy Fischetti created two makeup looks. The first look focused on the eyes whereby Fischetti darkened the brows and applied, not one, but two sets of #12 Mac lashes to our model. For this look the skin was creamy and flawless and the eyes made a striking and dramatic statement. Given the Fall 08 collection, we agreed that something beautiful with one point of intense strength (either eyes or lips) would work best. Then, the mid-shoot transformation (i.e. the second look) built off of the first look by adding color and reflection. Three key elements were responsible for the second look, namely, a Smashbox fuchsia eye color covered with a MAC all-purpose gloss on the lids, and a pink tinted gloss on the lips. Voila, high drama, gorgeous makeup. Check out our beauty spread for details on each and every product used to create these looks.