The Glossy Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: From Beyoncé to Britney: David Blond on Leveraging NYFW to Win Celebrity Clients
Host: Jill Manoff
Guest: David Blonde (One half of the design duo, the Blondes)
Release Date: February 9, 2025

Introduction to the Blondes’ Journey

In this engaging episode of The Glossy Podcast, host Jill Manoff sits down with David Blonde, one half of the renowned design duo, the Blondes. Celebrating nearly two decades in the fashion industry, the Blondes have carved a niche with their ultra-glam, high-drama styles that resonate with A-list celebrities and high-profile clientele alike.

David Blonde shares, “We’re going on 20 years, actually. We’re gearing up now to celebrate that next year” (01:07), highlighting their longstanding presence and continuous evolution within the competitive fashion landscape.

Couture Excellence and Exclusive Clientele

The Blondes specialize in couture-like, one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to a select group of clients, including pop stars like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, JLo, and Britney Spears. Their creations are designed for special occasions, ranging from Sweet Sixteens and milestone birthdays to high-end weddings and elegant receptions.

David Blonde explains, “Our clothing is more. It's very similar to the couture aesthetic. So we, we do everything mostly as one of a kind, is typically geared toward a particular customer” (01:40). This bespoke approach ensures exclusivity and maintains their status within the luxury fashion sector.

Evening Glamour: The Signature 9 PM Shows

A hallmark of the Blondes’ presence during New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is their strategic timing of fashion shows at 9 PM. This unconventional scheduling aligns with their glamorous aesthetic and transforms their shows into vibrant evening affairs that double as celebratory events.

David Blonde elaborates, “We definitely like to have our shows later in the evening. We feel like it works with our esthetic the best, and then we can just sort of roll into celebrating with everyone” (02:46). This timing not only enhances the theatricality of their presentations but also caters to their global clientele who often have packed evening agendas.

Crafting Memorable Fashion Week Moments

The Blondes have mastered the art of creating unforgettable moments during NYFW. From unexpected celebrity appearances to thematic partnerships, their shows stand out in a crowded fashion calendar. Notably, they’ve hosted cameos by personalities like Paris Hilton, adding an authentic and spontaneous flair to their presentations.

David Blonde emphasizes authenticity, stating, “These are never really planned because a lot of times either these people who participate in the show and are our clients, their schedules are obviously insane. So whenever that opportunity happens and the stars align, we end up doing something fun like that” (03:56).

Inclusive Invitations and the Big Show Audience

The Blondes advocate for inclusivity in their fashion shows, inviting a diverse audience to experience their vision. Their philosophy, “Anyone can have fun with fashion. Anyone can be a blonde,” (04:27) underscores their commitment to making high fashion accessible and enjoyable for all attendees.

Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Production

The week leading up to a Blondes’ fashion show is a whirlwind of activity. From meticulous detail work and casting to fittings and final adjustments, every element is orchestrated to tell a cohesive story. Each show narrates the journey of a "glamazon globetrotter," blending sharp, edgy designs with bursts of color and glamour.

David Blonde details the process, “Each show is a story that we're trying to tell. This particular season, it's about this glamazon, again, as I mentioned, who sort of a global globetrotter that has a number of events to go to” (04:43).

Celebrating Partnerships and Exhibitions

Over the years, the Blondes have engaged in numerous high-profile partnerships and exhibitions that have solidified their reputation. From collaborating with the Moulin Rouge cast during a themed fashion show to participating in exhibitions with SCAD and the Brooklyn Museum’s Solid Gold exhibition, their work seamlessly blends fashion with other artistic realms.

David Blonde recounts, “We did a few things like mixing the fashion show with the cast and sort of played into that idea and the theme of it when that show opened” (05:30), showcasing their ability to integrate fashion into diverse creative settings.

Production Team and Operational Insights

Maintaining a tight-knit team is pivotal to the Blondes’ success. They operate out of a factory on 37th Street and collaborate with overseas vendors for specialized embroideries. This streamlined approach ensures high quality and efficient production, crucial for their bespoke fashion line.

David Blonde shares, “We keep a really tight knit team. We have a factory that we work with here on 37th Street... and then we have a small team that works here with us in the studio” (08:56).

The Centrality of New York in Their Brand

New York remains the epicenter of the Blondes’ fashion endeavors. Despite exploring other global markets, they prioritize NYFW due to New York’s status as a fashion hub. This commitment ensures they remain at the forefront of industry trends and maintain strong connections within the fashion capital.

David Blonde states, “New York is the center of everything, so I feel like showing here is probably the most important” (09:38).

Bridging High Fashion and Accessibility through Collaborations

While primarily focused on high couture, the Blondes occasionally venture into more accessible fashion through strategic collaborations. A notable partnership with Disney allowed them to create fan-friendly items, such as custom leather jackets and themed accessories, broadening their appeal beyond elite clientele.

David Blonde explains, “We've done other partnerships, one in particular with Disney that was pretty major and we were able to create something that was accessible to the fans” (10:06).

Resilience and Optimism in the Luxury Market

The Blondes exhibit unwavering optimism regarding the future of luxury fashion. They believe their business is resilient to environmental, political, and economic fluctuations, thanks to their affluent and stable customer base.

David Blonde confidently remarks, “I think it's only going to get better. Honestly. We've never really had an issue with things changing environmentally, politically, economically” (10:47).

Defining Success: Joy and Entertainment

For the Blondes, a successful fashion show transcends mere sales. It’s about creating joyful, entertaining experiences that offer an escape to their audience. Their ultimate goal is to inspire and empower clients to express their individuality through fashion.

David Blonde articulates, “Bringing joy to people, entertaining people, giving them an escape. That's really our goal at the end of the day” (11:18).

The Role of Music and Venue in Storytelling

Music and venue selection play crucial roles in the storytelling aspect of the Blondes’ fashion shows. Collaborating with the Misshapes, they craft cinematic soundtracks that enhance the narrative, while their choice of venues, such as the Fidi Banking Hall, complements their rich, opulent aesthetic.

David Blonde highlights, “Music, it is a very key component because a lot of our clientele is in the music industry. So we work with the misshapes every season and to come up with a soundtrack that we consider to be very cinematic” (12:37).

Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Continuity

As the Blondes prepare for their upcoming show, they remain dedicated to their craft, continually seeking ways to innovate and delight their audience. Their seamless transition from fashion show to after-party epitomizes their commitment to creating holistic, memorable experiences.

David Blonde concludes, “We’re just on the goal and hoping to make it to the after party for a cocktail” (13:17), underscoring their relentless pursuit of excellence and enjoyment in the fashion world.

Notable Quotes:

• David Blonde: “We’re going on 20 years, actually. We’re gearing up now to celebrate that next year” (01:07)
• David Blonde: “Our clothing is more. It's very similar to the couture aesthetic. So we, we do everything mostly as one of a kind, is typically geared toward a particular customer” (01:40)
• David Blonde: “These are never really planned because a lot of times either these people who participate in the show and are our clients, their schedules are obviously insane. So whenever that opportunity happens and the stars align, we end up doing something fun like that” (03:56)
• David Blonde: “Anyone can have fun with fashion. Anyone can be a blonde” (04:27)
• David Blonde: “Bringing joy to people, entertaining people, giving them an escape. That's really our goal at the end of the day” (11:18)

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Jill Manoff and David Blonde, offering insights into the Blondes’ illustrious career, their strategic approach to NYFW, and their unwavering commitment to glamour and exclusivity in the fashion industry.