For the first time in its almost 60 year history, Rootstein, the famed mannequin maker, has created both a male and female mannequin from one individual: The Blonds fashion designer Phillipe Blond. “We’d been planning this collaboration with Rootstein for years and they chose Phillipe for his chameleon-like ability to transform,” David Blond told me. “Phillipe is the face and inspiration for everything we do with The Blonds. However, Phillipe’s personal style in particular is what inspired this collaboration.”
Phillipe was sculpted in London, often standing for 12 hours a day. “It was double-time since we were creating two mannequins, and half the time I was in six-inch heels, so you can imagine,” Phillipe said. On September 9th, the Rootstein showroom will be transformed into a “World of Blonds,” where an archival display of Phillipe and David’s designs—worn by pop stars like Rihanna, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and more—will be on the boy/girl mannequins. Although the two mannequins are definitely gender-bending and au courant, Phillipe stresses: “We don’t necessarily view this project as statement on gender or gender-specific garments. This is about individuals having the freedom to express themselves however and whenever they choose, through fashion.”
