All That Glitters Is Gold: Style Chat With Design Duo the Blonds

You just can’t talk about incredible crystal-covered couture and dazzling gold corsets without mentioning international design duo The Blonds. By way of Puerto Rico and Florida, now nestled in New York City, Phillipe and David Blond have created one of the most unique and coveted fashion brands to date. Their Preciosa crystal ensembles have been worn by superstars such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, and have been seen multiple times on the hit TV series Empire. The Blonds don’t just create clothing, they create fashion moments that are fun, bold, beautiful, undoubtedly sexy, and unforgettable.

Check out my interview with the creative geniuses, as we talk what inspires them and their conscious decision to always keep the runway noticeably diverse.

Sabrina Dunn: How did each of you get your start in fashion?

Phillipe: Before The Blonds, we both worked in different areas within the industry…Make-up, Visual Display, Interiors, Illustration. Then we met and our mutual love of fashion and music made us realize our destiny.

SD: You have created such amazing pieces with Preciosa Crystals – magical even – what inspires your unique design aesthetic? 

David - Unusual people and music are the core inspirations. Working with Preciosa Crystal is an amazing experience because this element is magical. It reflects and separates the light in a way that stuns the audience every time.

SD: Coco Chanel is quoted as saying, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” – as a power duo who is known for bringing major glitz and glam, what are your thoughts on Coco’s advice? 

Phillipe - We think leaving your house is like going on stage so our advice would be to, "Wear what makes you feel FABULOUS!".

SD: Knowing the history of the lack of diversity within the fashion industry, I love how there is always a fantastic mix of women of color in your runway shows. Is this a conscious decision? Why or why not? 

David: It's absolutely a conscious decision and we have always thrived on diversity and it's what makes this city fascinating. New York City represents the future of this world, there isn't another place on the planet where so many different people coexist in such close proximity.

SD: It seems you’ve had nearly every iconic ‘it’ girl wearing your designs – From Beyoncé to Barbie, but who is the one celebrity you have yet to dress that you really want too?

Phillipe - David and I are huge film buffs and lately we've been looking at Hollywood as a part of the evolution of our brand. Thanks to Stylists and Costume designers like Patricia Field and Paolo Nieddu, we've had the opportunity to dress a few leading ladies including Empire's Taraji P Henson.

SD: How did it feel seeing Taraji P. Henson, or more affectionately known as ‘Cookie,' wearing your designs on the show?

David - It was so incredible! The scene was perfect because it was as if she was the champion entering the ring. The piece was a fully boned corset and choker embellished with real Rose Gold rope chain and Preciosa Crystal. Preciosa added the spark necessary for this iconic moment . There is more to come so stay tuned!

SD: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers? 

Phillipe - Stay true to yourself and love what you do.

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To see more from The Blonds follow their glammed' out Instagram at @theblondsny. To learn more about the brand that gives their garments such glitz, visit www.preciosa.com.