They may look like fashion’s blondest male and female duo, but look a bit deeper and you’d be forgiven for thinking that. Firstly the name Phillipe might be a giveaway. Secondly somewhere underneath the slap, the hair borrowed from some poor Albanian mother, the fully crystallized couture creations and Christian Louboutin heels is a rather handsome man. Yes, Phillipe is actually a he, and yes, David and Phillipe are madly in love - with each other and their work. How could they not be? They fit perfectly together, just like a little, very well designed fashion puzzle, and have enjoyed success way beyond their wildest dreams. They have dressed the biggest names in music (Britney, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Debbie Harry, Rihanna), worked on the Mac Viva Glam campaigns, had numerous acclaimed collections (their latest, spring 2009, saw all models donning big blonde wigs) and are massive on the social scene in the States. Their imaginative, blingy, one-off pieces are testament to not only their love of diamonds, but also their undeniable ability to create sexy and feminine shapes, aided by their incredible corsetry. Maybe it’s because they have huge amounts of vision, maybe it’s because they work so well together, or maybe it’s because Phillipe understands what it’s like to really need a decent women’s wardrobe – whatever ‘it’ is, the Blonds have it in bucket loads, and in this exclusive interview, they reveal to me their secrets, inspirations and show us that Blonds really do have more fun.
The Very: I know it’s probably the most frequent question asked, but what inspires you to create such unique pieces?
Both: Women, music, art, animation and New York City...
The Very: And who, if any, are your favourite designers?
David: We admire any designer with the nerve to express themselves in an individual way and push the boundaries...Edith Head and Adrian – costume designers from that time.
Phillipe: Thierry Mugler, Bob Mackie and Louboutin!!!
The Very: You’ve dressed some of the biggest names in music now, but who would be your ideal woman to dress and why? And what would you put them in?
David: We'd love to collaborate with Kylie.
Phillipe: Corsets of course!
The Very: Do you believe in people having an ultimate icon, someone to look up to? And if so, who is yours?
David: Definitely, but it should start with you, be your own icon!
Phillipe: One word... CHER!
The Very: If Beyonce or Mariah was to call you up and invite you to a fab party with half an hour to get ready, what would you pull out of your closet to wear? (other than one of your own creations!)
Phillipe: I would be at least two hours late, I'm not a wash and wear kinda girl ;) and I think those two, if anyone would understand!
The Very: America is, in the hair industry, known for doing a good blonde; do you think blondes (or Blonds) have more fun? And would you ever consider going dark, contrary to your name?
David: I know we certainly have a lot of fun! Contrary to what people think most of our clients are brunette!
Phillipe: You don't have to be blonde to be Blond!
The Very: Up until now your collections have focused on women, is there any glimmer of a menswear collection from the Blonds?
Phillipe: It's something we've talked about for a long time so you never know...Blond Boy could be "out" soon!
David: We've done a few custom pieces for guys and we'd really love to work with Bill Kaulitz and Adam Lambert.
The Very: Being partners on a professional and personal level might scare some people, what makes the Blonds successful in both? And if you have an argument or just need space from each other, where do you go, what do you do, who do you call?
David: We are best friends first no matter what, and that's the basis of a successful relationship as well as having a killer sense of humor.
Phillipe: On a professional level there will always be disagreements but ours are usually over something like crystal placement...but shoe shopping also helps a lot!
The Very: If you’re lives had worked out differently and you actually weren’t interested in fashion at all, what do you think you would be doing now?
David: Landscaper, architect or archeologist (Indiana Jones fan)
Phillipe: There is nothing else I'd like to do...If I had to choose I'd probably be a rock star.
The Very: If, buy some miracle, you were given the chance to invite 5 now deceased celebrities/personalities to a dinner party, who would they be?
Both: Bette Davis, Diana Vreeland, Marlene Dietrich, Andy Warhol and Marilyn of course!
Quick Fire:
Beach or city?
Both: Both!
Blonde or brunette? (silly question)
Both: BLOND
Pets or children?
Both: Our Chinese Crested Bijoux
Meat or veg?
Both: Meat
Gold or silver?
Both: Gold, Silver and DIAMONDS!
Less is more or more is less?
Both: More, More MORE!!!
