All that glitters is gold.
All that sparkles is Blond.
I was lucky enough to chat with David Blond, one half of the fashion duo The Blonds, last week. David and Phillipe Blond have created some of the most mind and eye popping pieces to have ever seen the runway. The duo were in Toronto last Friday for Fashion Still Cares, a glamourous fundraiser for ACT.
You might have seen their pieces on some of the most famous and influential women in the world. Their work transports people to a brighter, happier, care free place. Their lines are all about having a fucking blast and letting people know that life gets better with every blink of the eye. “YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!” was David’s response to that. It’s true…Blonds do have more fun!
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Nate: I have to start by saying your work mesmerizes me and I’m so happy to be chatting with you. If I had a magic glittery wand that could make the world BLOND with the flick of a wrist, instantly putting every woman on earth in one of your creations I would. Don’t you think Blond world domination would solve so many of the world’s problems?
David: Thank you! That’s the idea. Sometimes people ask how we make the garments and the first answer is “magic!!!”. There is always a bit of magic in each piece we create and I think it’s all positive. We’d like to inspire all women to be a little Blond and if women ran the world it would be a much more lovely place we think…
Nate: Your pieces have become staples in pop culture. Your celebrity clientele Rolodex includes the likes of Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue (my favourite piece of yours! She was born to wear that corset in the “Get Outta My Way” music video), Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, Sarah Jessica Parker (as Carrie Bradshaw *gasp*), Kim Cattrall (as Samantha Jones *gasp again*), Rihanna, Deborah Harry (BLOND-ie! Get it?), Britney Spears, Fergie, Dita Von Teese, Paris Hilton and last but not least, Miss Piggy. Phew! Out of the icons I just mentioned (or didn’t mention), who was your favourite to work with?
David: Each client always brings out something different in us. They are all amazing, modern day showgirls that set the standard for glamour and beauty.
Nate: If there was a new celebrity client you could work your magic on, who would it be and most importantly why her and not me?
David: Willow Smith is our current obsession. Anyone who loves their hair that much is definitely a kindred spirit to the Blonds!
Nate: Your designs are very glamourous. Most pieces are covered in rhinestones, crystals and anything else that screams glam. Where do you find your inspiration when it comes to designing?
David: Everywhere and anywhere, but most of the time it is women, art, animation, music, and film that are huge inspirations.
Nate: Walk me through your creative process. I assume we’re walking down a ruby red studded brick road.
David: Phillipe and I brainstorm and throw ideas around till we agree on something. This usually takes awhile… Then he will sketch and sketch and sketch… We figure out how to produce the idea and then just do it! Typically when making a complicated piece from scratch it can take from 4-8 weeks to produce.
Nate: I’ve always noticed many of your pieces contain an element of bravery. I can also imagine feeling super brave while wearing a corset made entirely of bullets! In light of the recent gay youth suicides, what would you say to the gay kids of the world who don’t feel very brave.
David: We would tell them to remember that they are very special! Please hang in there and to rise above it. Because it will get better and we’re proof of that! These kids are so much better than this and we all have to get together and make it stop.
Nate: Do you have a favourite Blond creation?
David: One of our favorites is our diamond corset dress (see left, credit © Dan Lecca). It encompasses all that is Blond!
Nate: Any plans for a men’s line? I’d buy two of everything.
David: I’m sure “Blond Boy” will be coming out soon!
Nate: You two are currently in town for the AIDS Committee of Toronto “Fashion Still Cares” fundraiser. Why is raising money and awareness for this cause important to you?
David: We’re very passionate about this cause and feel that people need to wake up and realize this fight isn’t over. These events are extremely important because we still need to keep doing something about this epidemic until there is a cure.
We’d also like to thank Kenny Roosevelt and The Roosevelt Room for putting together an amazing event benefiting the AIDS Committee of Toronto and inviting us to be a part of it!
Nate: I couldn’t end this chat without asking: what’s Phillipe wearing for Friday night’s fundraiser?
David: Something sparkly!!!
What Phillipe wore! Taken last Friday at The Roosevelt Room for Fashion Still Cares in Toronto. (© All rights reserved by vitaminwater_canada)
For more information on The Blonds and their magic, visit their official website!
