This is what a 10-minute conversation with our favourite – and only – Blonds looks like.

In a little over a month, the world will view the Spring-Summer 2015 collections of international couture designers at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. Times flies when you’re having fun, right? This couldn’t be more applicable than with designer duo, Phillipe and David Blond, better known as The Blonds. Much like the delicious results from the right ingredients paired with apt timing for a cake, The Blonds’ success is a result of an exceptional creative process. How else would any of us know how supremely feminine and necessary a corset is if The Blonds weren’t key players in the fashion world? We cringe at the thought.

Phillipe moved to NY from Puerto Rico when he was a child. While David moved to NY by way of Florida. You both went to renowned colleges to study fashion. Although schooling is essential, the experience you gain through internships and work is where you really discover your own ethics. What key values did you both learn in your pre-career years?

David: Internships can be invaluable, helping to determine what you like or don’t like to do. There is always something to learn on any job, even if it isn’t quite what you expected.

Phillipe: You just have to go for it, work hard, focus on what you want, and you will get it.

In life, timing is everything. So, how did time ultimately play a major part in your creative partnership?

David: Timing plays a big role generally. However, being prepared and ready when the opportunity time comes along is what’s more important.

Phillipe:  The great thing about life is that things always turn out as they should and for us it was kismet.

One of my favorite pieces from your collection is the stunning diamond embellished corset Beyoncé dons in her music video for “Upgrade U.” Corsets are certainly one of the key pieces of your designs over the years. Even Mattel wanted “in” on the corset fun for Barbie! What makes a corset so special from your perspective?

David:  The Blonds are about a lifestyle, an attitude, a strong look. The corset is the center piece of every collection. It is the frame work we start with each season and will always play a huge role in what we create.

Phillipe: It simply is the best way to shape the body and maintain that perfect hourglass silhouette.

Also, what are the deciding factors in what decorative materials you decide to use on the corsets?

David: It all depends on the theme and mood for the season.

Phillipe: There are no limits!

Besides successfully designing for countless artists and entertainers, you also won the 2010 Ecco Domani Award. What are some additional successes – creative or personal – that have been a highlight for you both? 

David: The opportunity to work with charities such as the MAC Aids Fund, City of Hope, Life Ball, Diffa (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) and amFAR (The Foundation for Aids Research) is extremely rewarding.

You both have such distinct personal styles that are polar opposites of each other. When it comes to the designing process, how are you both able to “meet in the middle” in creating a cohesive collection?

Phillipe: David and I share a similar outlook when it comes to design and we welcome and enjoy the challenges of working as a team creatively. Two minds are better than one.

For your runway shows, blonde wigs or hair add-ins are a staple for all of the models regardless of the skin colour. You’ve worked with a variety of musicians of various nationalities ranging from Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and more. Hence, The Blonds’ concept evidently extends beyond a literal “blonde.” Where does the symbolism and concept behind what The Blonds represents stem from? 

Phillipe:  You don’t have to be blonde to be Blond! It has nothing to do with your nationality or origins. It is a state of mind and all about having fun with your wardrobe – and injecting a little glamour into the everyday!

Lastly, NYFW is a little over a month away! I know designers have to be hush-hush – but can you give your admirers (i.e. me) any hints on what newness we can expect?

David:  This season two worlds will collide and it will blow your mind. So, stay tuned. It’s going to be an adventure!

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Words: Gabrielle Pharms.