Britney Spears was omnipresent at The Blonds‘ latest glitzy runway show — at least, in spirit.
Designer couple Philippe and David Blond looked to the early 2000s pop princess as a key inspiration when crafting their spring ’24 collection, which closed New York Fashion Week on Wednesday with a glittering, enchanting bang.
“It’s almost like two shows in one, actually,” David Blond exclusively told FN backstage before the show, noting their moodboard included fairytales, gladiators and mermaids. “The first part of the show was more like the ‘Clash of the Titans’ vibe; an astrological, cosmic thing — and then the second half is very much about the Britney Spears, princess vibes.”
Naturally, the Blonds’ included a slick lineup of one-of-one Christian Louboutin heels in their show. This season, the FNAA-winning designer’s pointed-toe boots, booties and pumps hit the runway with platform soles, sheer toes and 6-inch stiletto heels; uppers were coated in swirling spikes, glitter and crystals ranging in tone from black to color-shifting iridescence. Blond treasures his and Phillipe’s relationship with Louboutin, mentioning their love of glamour on FN‘s Instagram.
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“It wouldn’t be complete without the Louboutin shoes,” David said, noting each look — ranging from bejeweled bodysuits and corsets to a Spears-like leather crop top and flared pants — was paired with a custom shoe. “There’s a few that you’ll notice that have this sheer crinoline on top; it almost looks like the foot is just resting on crystals.”
The show itself was also a lesson in the Blonds’ power of community building, notable amidst a jam-packed Fashion Week peppered with chaos (highlights include hours-long show delays, torrential downpours and the return of PETA’s show crashers).
Philippe and David’s celebrity models this season — Dominique Jackson, TikToker Dylan Mulvaney and Gigi Gorgeous — dominated the runway while watched by an audience that mixed both rising and established stars: Chanel West Coast, Danielle Brooks and fashion’s beloved DJ’s Jack James Busa and Daniel Walters (of The Muses) were elbow-to-elbow with Fern Mallis, Susanne Bartsch and David Barton.
The resulting effect established The Blonds‘ core belief that the world needs unity and glamour now more than ever.
“We want to have an escape,” David concluded. “Everyone needs to have an escape, and I feel like that’s always necessary.”
About the Author:
Aaron Royce is the Digital Editor for Footwear News, where he writes stories on trending news, celebrity style, collaborations and in-depth profile interviews. Prior to joining Footwear News, Aaron wrote and interned for publications including PAPER, Grazia and the Daily Front Row. He currently holds a B.S. in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.
