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FASHION WEEK: The Blonds, Let the Party Begin
It was much fun backstage for The Blonds SS2014 collection. Let's check in with Nick Irwin (TIGI) and Jan Arnold (CND), and learn more about the front of house action.
September 12, 2013
1/16
3 min to read
Fun, happy, chaotic, interesting, stressful, inspired, creative,...The Blonds fashion show is all of the above. Scoring an invitation to this show is quite difficult, but thanks to TIGI, Modern was in! We were beyond thrilled to be up close and personal with the team that creates sexy, fun, studded, beaded, spiked and yet still flattering looks for Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Fergie, and so many more. The inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2014 collection was, as always, powerful...paying homage to the "original blonde: Tweety, as well as Marilyn Monroe, Marie Antoinette, Madonna and Jane Fonda.
HAIR: We started backstage and grabbed an interview with TIGI Global Creative Director Nick Irwin who used CATWALK by TIGI to create the futuristic silhouette for the 18 models. "We wanted to create a character from the future, very alien," he says. "But still couture and avant garde." Irwin started with styrofoam balls which he and team covered in shiny slick synthetic hair (blonde of course). The models hair is then lacquered to a top knot and braided. The prepared form is placed over the knot and secured to the head.""This form isn't going anywhere," says Irwin after admitting he really had to press the bobby pins in to the base. "It is quite secure.
NAILS: Also secure were the nails, courtesy CND. Jan Arnold, co-founder, was there to share that not only did the models have fashion changes for the show...but each model had THREE NAIL CHANGES! The CND team was parked backstage during the show to change up the nail for each outfit. It was extraordinary. "In honoring the original blonde," says Arnold, "The Blonds honored Tweety Bird." Arnold then showed off her favorite nail of the evening, a shield as a 'bionic nail' honoring the Bionic woman. "A clear cover nail is attached with a hinge," she says. "Underneath are the gears." Arnold pointed out that it took more than 200 hours in the CND design lab to created the designs. "I feel we are curating an art show, featuring the nails. Technology and expression is going through the roof. It's a great time to be a nail artist!"
MAKE UP: Kabuki and team, for MAC Cosmetics, went all out with winged eyeliner, Tweety Bird yellow shadow, and alien eyebrows.
FRONT OF HOUSE: The Front of House (FOH) was the biggest party ever. Guests start arriving about 30 minutes before show time to chat it up, check out the fashions and style, and allow themselves to be greeted by the paparazzi. In attendance: Carmen Carrera, Amanda Lepore, Tyra Banks, Miss Bunny and a enormous collection of "club" types and amazing drag queens that didn't hold back when it came to dressing for the evening. Jan Arnold and I were sitting next to each other when she said "Oh, there's my friend Johnny Weir." I asked her if she would get a little interview and the ever gracious and fabulous Arnold chatted with the every gracious and fabulous Olypmic skater. Done!
The whole evening was a blast. When I was invited to the AFTER party, I asked..."You mean this ISN'T the party?!!!!!" I had to pass. There is only so much fabulousness, beauty, fashion and blondness a person can have in one day.
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