THE BLONDS: SPRING/SUMMER 2024 AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

The Blonds brand from designer couple Phillipe and David Blond is well-known for its extravagantly bombastic runway show each season, bringing boatloads of glitter and overblown glam to New York City in a shining celebration of individuality and expression. For 2024, the designers reimagined legendary mythical creatures through a high fashion lens with dramatic lengthy hair extensions, crystalline nails and makeup, and glimmering fantasy looks built around each unique body's silhouette. Models looked like celestial goddesses as they partied down the runway, including a cameo appearance from Phillipe in one crystalline golden look with unicorn details. After the show, the designer couple shared a sweet finale kiss surrounded by their shining collection – celebrating another NYFW season of self love, self-expression, and self-indulgence through boldly vivacious design.

Resident Digital is pleased to sit down with designers David and Phillipe Blond to discuss their latest glittering New York Fashion Week collection, whimsical Spring/Summer 2024 design inspirations, and excitingly off-the-wall and over-the-top style details for the new year. 

THE INTERVIEW

Interviewer: Laur Weeks @Laur.Weeks for Resident Magazine @ResidentDigital 

Designers: Phillipe and David Blond of The Blonds @theblondsny

Hello, Phillipe and David! Resident Digital Magazine is thrilled to have the chance to speak with you about your latest collection – the glamorous show left us in awe, as usual. You've made such a name for yourselves in fashion for consistently putting out the most over-the-top, glitzy, and otherworldly designs! 

This season's theme of mythical creatures felt like a welcome escape from a serious past few years in society, with a temporary step into another more glam world. What inspired you to use fantasies like unicorns and mermaids as your muses this season?

UNICORNS AND MERMAIDS HAVE BEEN INSPIRING US SINCE WE WERE CHILDREN, AND WE WANTED TO TAKE THE AUDIENCE ON A MYSTICAL AND MYTHICAL JOURNEY!

I love that idea, it's whimsical and full of fun. So fitting for your brand!

What type of imagery or specific references were on your mood boards? I'd love to know what's going through your mind while you're crafting up an inspirational theme for a collection. What sort of visuals tend to really speak to you, to allow you to bring such vibrant and fun ideas to your audience?

EVERYTHING FROM BRITNEY SPEARS TO THE CLASH OF THE TITANS, IMAGES AND STORIES OF GREEK MYTHOLOGY. 

Amazing – they're all absolute icons! 

Speaking of, the Blonds show is always a party, and guests feel like they can let their hair down at your runways! It's one of the most anticipated events at Fashion Week each season for your sense of absolute fun and inclusion for everyone. I also understand that you two first met in nightlife as well, starting off your relationship and legacy together. Do you draw inspiration from NYC's own nightlife? How do you infuse that feeling into your work?

ABSOLUTELY, ESPECIALLY EARLY ON IN OUR CAREER. NEW YORK, ITS ARCHITECTURE, NIGHTLIFE, ETHOS AND ENERGY IS A CONSTANT INSPIRATION FOR US AND SHE USUALLY WEAVES HER WAY INTO EVERY COLLECTION WE CREATE.

It's especially meaningful when designers draw upon their roots and the start of their design story, even after their career has grown and progressed so much over the years. 

As we all know, it's always all about the details at The Blonds. We were lusting over the extraordinarily long nails and hip-length hairstyles you sent down the runway with each look. So sexy! What were some of your own favorite details you included this season in the show?

WE LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THE BEAUTY! WE WORKED WITH MAC, ORIBE AND KISS NAILS TO DESIGN THE LOOK.  WE UTILIZED PRECIOSA CRYSTAL DETAILS ON THE NAILS AND IN THE HAIR TO HIGHLIGHT THE OVERALL SPARKLE IN THE COLLECTION.

We're taking notes: Crystals in your hair for 2024…you heard it here first! This sounds like such a fun trend for dressing up and going out. 

Your designs are so often worn in all walks of life by inspirational figures including outspoken activists, cultural icons, cover stars, performing musicians, and other queens all around. Your runway lineup is no different, with major names such as Dominique Jackson and Dylan Mulvaney joining the army of models (and alongside Phillipe!) What's your casting and thought process like in choosing the perfect faces to bring each of your designs to life on the runway?

WE LOVE COLLABORATING AND EACH SEASON WE LOOK TO DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES THAT WILL ULTIMATELY EXPRESS THE VIBE OF EACH PIECE. THIS SEASON DOMINIQUE JACKSON, GIGI GORGEOUS AND DYLAN MULVANEY WERE GODDESSES ON THE RUNWAY.

That special shared inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere to all are what make each show of yours so special. 

How are you feeling now that this season's glitter-filled showcase is finished? What are you both most looking forward to right now?

AFTER A SHORT BREAK WE ARE RIGHT BACK TO WORK ON SEVERAL SPECIAL PROJECTS. OF COURSE, WE'RE ALSO THINKING OF FEBRUARY'S COLLECTION, AS IT'S RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

Yes, it'll be here before we know it! 

Thank you both for taking a moment to chat with Resident amidst all the New York hustle and planning. Congratulations on the new collection, and we already can't wait to see what fun things are in store for next season.

CREDITS

Publication: Resident Digital @ResidentDigital

Designer: The Blonds @TheBlondsNY

Writer: Laur Weeks @Laur.Weeks

Photographer: Charles Barnes @Charles.L.Barnes

PR: Purple PR @PurplePR

Beauty: MAC Cosmetics @MACCosmetics, Oribe @Oribe, Kiss Nails @KissProducts, Preciosa Crystals

Venue: Spring Studios @SpringStudios

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