Date: December 5th. Venue: Brooklyn Museum

The Blonds designers Phillipe & David Blond sat with curator Matthew Yokobosky for an intimate conversation entitled “Brooklyn Talks: The Blonds” about their curated collections showcasing at the Solid Gold exhibit and their blond journey into stardom.

GROWING UP: THE BLONDS

The duo revealed their origin, both Latino. Phillipe was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico and is half Bolivian, while David is Cuban and Spanish. Growing up Phillipe was inspired by Iris Chacon, Celia Cruz and Gilberto Santa Rosa. Both designers drew inspiration from Thierry Mugler.

A NIGHT AT THE ROXY

On how they met, Phillipe skipped prom to go to The Roxy where he met David. “I laid eyes on David and forever he was mine.” Phillipe told the audience, together ever since, stuck to the hip.

SEX AND THE CITY

The two began making outfits to keep up with their nightly outings. They drew inspiration from the 80’s animated TV series Gem and fashion designer Bob Mackie. Phillipe mentioned meeting Sex And the City costume designer Patricia Field who then proceeded to ask, “who made your jeans?” When Phillipe responded, “We did,” Patricia requested garments for Sex And The City episodes.

BECOMING A BLOND

Matthew Yokobosky asked The Blonds about their hair color transition during the start of their career. Phillipe acknowledged they were brunettes, while David specified their hair dye was closer to jet black and aesthetic emo-goth, but then their hair color evolved to what David described as “bleach blond madness.” It was at this point the two were introducing themselves as Phillipe & David Blond. While brainstorming on what to call their brand, blond kept coming to mind with mental images of Barbie, Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe and Old Hollywood. Their entire mood board was a visual collage of blondes. David said, their motto was anyone could be a blond, fun and glamorous, to which Phillipe added, “You don’t have to be a blond to be blond.”

CELEBRITY FIT

When discussing fitting celebrities, the duo said they rely on 3D scan fitting, fit models and Face Time if a client can’t make it to their studio. They’ve dressed a slew of music artists, Missy Elliot, Little Kim, Rihanna and JLo to name a few, heiresses Daphne Guinness and Paris Hilton, actress Dominique Jackson, and media personalities Gigi Gorgeous and Nikita Dragun. The Blonds designed a custom 24-karat gold plated crystal and spiked dress for Rihanna’s R Rated album release event, paired with matching Loubouton shoes. Matthew Yokobosky asked The Blonds if they warn clients about weighted garments and Phillipe replied they do, while also self describing as a fashion warrior, willing to fit into smaller shoe sizes and restrictive garments for the love of fashion.

MUMMY FW 2017

Phillipe walked their Fall 2017 show in a pearl and ruby studded cat suit and told the audience pearls are meant to be worn in many different ways, not just only on our necks. A Blonds tradition is for Phillipe to walk every runway presentation dressed in a showstopper and seal the finale kissing David.

BLONDISCO FW 2019

Their Egyptian themed Fall 2019 collection drew inspiration from the cinematic costumes depicted in the 1963 Cleopatra movie and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt. Phillipe said they were intrigued with the elaborate ritual of Pharaoh burials. The collection boasted stunning 24-karat gold ensembles, most notably a cat suit with matching winged cape, a corset dress, golden python dress and pyramid motorcycle jacket.

CHAIN SERIES SS 2023

For Spring 2023, The Blonds created a breathtaking gold rope chain corset dress. Phillipe explains that unlike bustiers, corsets are custom made to fit the wearer; they are multi-layered, cut to a person’s shape and curved for breath-ability and movement.

COLLECTOR’S EDITION: THE BLONDS BARBIE

On creating a Blonds Barbie, Phillipe said the doll received criticism from NY 1 who used an unflattering photo of Phillipe with a tag line “Barbie does drag” to which Matthew Yokobosky mouthed, the doll is beautiful, while David added his own straight uncle said it was the most beautiful doll he’s ever seen. Matthew Yokobosky noted the Blonds Barbie is rare and hard to get.

[FROM THE STAGE]

[MEET AND GREET]

After Matthew Yokobosky’s interview, we asked The Blonds about their backstage rituals. David revealed it’s positive affirmations with crystals that actually work. With a gold marker David signed a copy of their lavishly illustrated book, “To Jesenia, Love The Blonds. Happy Bday!!” 

[SOLID GOLD EXHIBIT]

[BECOME A SUPPORTER]