Phillipe and David Blond know their audience. For their Spring 2020 collection, the duo behind The Blonds took over the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, inviting a hodgepodge of celebrities to partake in their collaboration with Moulin Rouge! The Musical. They included Martha Stewart, Wendy Williams, Lady Bunny, and Miss J. Alexander—all seemingly dressed as groupies of the outré fashion brand. Even before the show began, the venue was filled with a healthy dose of big hair and glitter, paralleling the vibe of the Baz Luhrmann-produced extravaganza. “The costumes, music, and storytelling is something that resonates with us, and we are so excited that, for one night only, The Blonds will take over the Moulin Rouge!” said Phillipe and David Blond in a joint statement.
Unlike, say, the Pyer Moss show, which displayed a deftness in the fabric choice and silhouettes that was only enhanced by a grand presentation, The Blonds showcased virtual costumes—modeled by a kitschy cast, including Paris Hilton, Jordan Roth, Gigi Gorgeous, Halima Aden, Gizele Oliveira, and Billy Porter—that blended with the theatrical set. The musical outbreaks throughout the runway show were intermingled with batches of Preciosa crystal-covered looks.
Among the over-the-top metallic bodysuits and larger-than-life headpieces, there were some fashion moments: structured black leather jackets, a cacophony of leopard dresses and shorts, and separates in red, or black and white. That said, the real draw was the star-studded cast, audience, and elaborate staging that was more show than fashion.
Check out The Blonds Spring 2020 collection—or more accurately, performance—in the slideshow:
