The Blonds spring/summer 2018 show was an over-the-top look at the idealized world: girls of all types sharing in the magic of womanhood with makeup by MAC.
The darlings of MADE Fashion Week, fashion lovers can count on The Blonds to assemble a home-grown approach to the Jeremy Scott breed of fashion: heavy on fun and flair, light on minimalism or stern motivations. Its about over-the-top attitude, severe realness and honesty. This year’s collection was an extreme walk on the wild side, a campy, way-too-self-assured-to-be-real examination at glitter, disco, sweaty clubbing, and hair bands paired with fitness goddesses made of noble stone- the 1980’s in general- knee-high boots in gold, glittery jackets (with no pants to show off those toned-to-death legs) in gold and neon hues, wide fishnets and short corsets set upon elegant, boney frames. Huge JNCO-like jeans with transparent windows felt lodged somewhere between Austin Powers costume piece and honest emojified life. Some looks featured giant flowers in the hair, just the kind of detail to give a campy prostitute glam. As the show went on, the boots got taller, essentially becoming pants, leather details and lacing continued the corset trend. Everyone assembled along the runway in a fierce girl on the block staging. The show featured Teyana Taylor.
With plenty of girls of color, it was full-on Black Girl Magic, with the help from MAC Cosmetics, backstage products included the Modern Brown Pro Lip Palette and more. Using a palette allowed makeup artists to create the perfect nude match for each girl. Hair was wet and often given its natural shape and texture, adding to the authenticity score of the show. For the nails, using Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer and crystals from Preciosa Crystal Components, lead artist Mei Kawajiri designed each set of nails to be tailored to the individual model, accented with chrome details.
In order to get the full effect, one must rewatch the detail-heavy The Blonds show to truly appreciate the encompassing skill of these unique designers.