Photo courtesy of
Jason Carter RinaldiPhoto courtesy of
Jason Carter RinaldiPhoto courtesy of
Jason Carter RinaldiThe WORLD IS BLOND according to The Blonds designers Phillipe and David Blond who acknowledge and celebrate their signature addiction to glamour and appetite for luxury. The dynamic duo put on their best show ever for the NYFW fall/winter 2019 collections. As always the fashion was extraordinary, and full of excess. Inspired by iconic gangster movies, the fashion was chock full of faux fur, luxe looks, rich jewel tones, gold hardware and tiger prints.
The model selection was eclectic and interesting, represented by a fantastic blend of beauty, pop culture and trend, and included Paris Hilton, Mi Rodriquez, Lion Babe, Aquaria and The Clermont Twins. The show wrapped with a performance by Lil’ Kim who introduced her new song GO AWFF.
As always, the attention to over-the-top detail is what separates The Blonds from other designers. Phillipe and David allow the hair, nails and makeup to make as loud a statement as the fashion.
HAIR
“Tonight’s look was inspired by disco, gangster with a dash of Jerry Hall,” says Kevin Hughes, Moroccanoil Artistic Director. “The hair is glamour mixed with androgyny that only The Blonds can deliver.” Hughes had his hands full with an assortment of finishes from sleek and smooth to sexy and voluminous silhouettes. It truly was a hair party backstage and Hughes started each look with a dime size amount Moroccanoil Treatment.
From that prep (for most of the models):
-Apply Moroccanoil Thickening Lotion for finer texture –or Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion for thicker, natural texture, through the hair.
-Next, blow dry with the hair using Moroccanoil Professional Series Ceramic Hair Dryer and Moroccanoil Ceramic 45 MM Round Brush bending the ends of the hair to create a smooth voluminous effect, and then place the hair in a side part that lines up with the arch of the eyebrow.
-Spray Moroccanoil Perfect Defense throughout the hair to protect before heat styling and then begin to curl the hair, starting at the back with a 1 ¼” Curling Iron.
-Then, spray Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong throughout every 1 ¼” section and then pinch and twist around the curling iron. Pin the curl in place.
-Once the curls have cooled, using a Moroccanoil Boar Bristle Classic Brush, brush out every section of hair. Finish the look with Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong to hold waves in place.
MAKE UP
“She's a super high fashion, disco-era, gangster’s moll,” key make-up artist Kabuki says about the look for this season. Michelle Pfeiffer’s “Elvira” in the classic 1983 movie ‘Scarface’ was the inspiration behind the collection and subsequently the make-up design. Says Kabuki, “It’s not a literal copy of the look but more of a fantasy version. It exudes glamour and decadence.”
Here Kabuki shares an overview of the makeup design (using all MAC):
-Smoky eyes in a combination black, brown, peach and gold are the main focus of the face. Then, the eyes are exaggerated further with custom winged lashes.
-Brows are toned down a shade by brushing concealer through them
-The skin is glowing and highlighted with crème color base applied by tapping with the fingertips.
-Lips are overdrawn with Spice Lip Pencil for extra fullness. Then, filled in with two shades of nude lipstick.
NAILS
CND Lead Artist Shelena Robinson acknowledged that “materialism is back with a vengeance.” The decadent nail collection was the ultimate showcase of excessive wealth and materialism featuring diamond drapes, faux crocodile skin and cascading clusters of emerald-dipped, raw-cut stones encrusted on the nails – literally dripping with finer things.
Jan Arnold, CND Co-founder and Style Director, as always, embraced the theme. “The Blonds inspire us to explore new technologies, new techniques and elevated artistic approaches to create mind blowing moments on the runway,” she says. “We are beyond proud of the work we have done with The Blonds and are honored to continue to bring their vision to life with the extravagance that only a well-executed nail story can bring to a collection.”
Arnold herself has become part of the excitement at The Blonds, making a powerful fashion statement both backstage and front of house. She is ALWAYS a standout in the crowd. MODERN’s Maggie Mulhern had to have a chat with her as the two were looking for their seats at the Spring Studios. Check out this interview and learn more about Arnold’s stunning look:
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