The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
‘Ursula, Maleficent and Cruella de Vil on The Blonds runway
NEW YORK » Bejeweled bodices, thigh-high platform pumps, stiletto nails and seductive fishnet stockings brought a new level of femme fatale among Disney villains onto the catwalk.
The catwalk of the design duo The Blonds, that is. David and Phillipe Blond, known for edgy, provocative collections and runway shows, collaborated with Disney to merge the wicked and the sleek among its most famous villains — Ursula, Maleficent and more.
Paris Hilton was Cruella de Vil in a studded silver bodysuit, carrying a Chihuahua down the runway Friday, long black and, of course, blonde, hair extensions cascading down. She wore one black thigh-high boot and one in white.
The Disney collaboration, the Blonds told The Associated Press, took them even more over the top than usual.
“It just gave us license to have a lot more fun,” David said.
Phillipe agreed: “Yeah, it gave us a lot of creative license. Our shows are theatrical already.” Guests were eating it up. “I love that they have no limits,” said “13 Reasons Why” actress Ajiona Alexus. “I love that they always push it over the edge and do what they really feel. I’m all about color, expressing yourself, and I think that’s what fashion is about, especially for me, so I love that they’re just different and they really push the boundaries.”
Barron Hilton and new wife, Tessa, were on board. He and sister Paris have attended shows by The Blonds in the past.
“I’ve been here with Paris before and there’s always like the and Sat. from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Clothing for the entire family, slightly used to unused, shoes, winter coats, gloves, hats. Household items — lamps, dishes, kids toys, unused puzzles, tools, model airplanes, model antique cars, baskets, seasonal items. Clean hb books, pb books, china, glass, small appliances. Much to see. New items arriving daily. Clean, slightly used, undamaged items and donations accepted during shop hours. craziest stuff, and I love it. It’s like art,” Barron said.
Tessa added: “The outfits, definitely. It’s a live walking art show.”
Also on the runway was model Shaun Ross, YouTuber Patrick Starrr (that’s not a typo) and 10-year-old drag kid Desmond Napoles, the creator of the first drag club for children.
David Blond said he and Phillipe had been inspired by Disney villains since they were both children.
“Plus they have the coolest wardrobe, you know,” said Phillipe. “The Villains. The Blonds. Like, how perfect is that?”
So who are their favorite Disney villains?
“My favorite’s Maleficent, I think. Or Cruella. One of those two, or both, I guess,” Phillipe said.
“I think you’re a combination of both,” David added.
For Patrick Starrr, getting to play Ursula, was “beyond my wildest dreams.” directly next to Boscov’s at the Plymouth Meeting Mall (500 W. Germantown Pike). Contact the groups leader at khimebaugh@hdsa.org for additional information and upcoming guest speakers/ activities. Visithdsa.org for additional HD information and resources.
RECOVERY GROUP MEETINGS
Mondays: Fairview Village Church hosts addiction support/recovery group meetings. Men’s A to Z is a Biblical support/recovery group that is open to men 18 years and over. Women’s Christian 12 Step support/ recovery group is open to all women 18 years and over. Parents of Addicted Adult Children is a Christ-centered support group for parents who struggle with addicted adult children. We meet on Monday evenings at 6:45 p.m. at 3044 West Germantown Pike, Eagleville. You are welcome to join at any time. For more information, please call Pastor Rieger at 610-539-3333 ext. 249. offered by the Int’s Chiropractic Ped Association. Join us to learn more and meet other like-minded parents. The meetings takes place once a month on a Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon. Space is limited, so please RSVP at mbodychiropractic@gmail. com or by calling 267-462-4911. www.mbodychiropractic.com. LeTip Of Blue Bell: Weekly meetings every Thursday at 7 a.m. at Manufacturers’ Country Club in Dresher. LeTip of Blue Bell is an active and successful business networking group founded under the principles of LeTip International Inc. LeTip of Blue Bell’s mission is to provide meaningful and successful business leads. LeTip of Blue Bell members pride ourselves on holding all of our members to exacting standards of competence and service. Quite simply, we are the best of the best. Our members, all of whom are accomplished and respected in their given areas of business, work together to build each others businesses and increase the bottom line. Members introduce one another to new clients and customers who need a specific service and are expecting a call from a LeTip member who can provide that service. The chapter serves as your sales force, bringing new business to you! No more cold calling, just warm leads. To learn more, visit www. letipbluebell.com. Sixty Plus or Minus Seniors Club: Meets the second Thursday of each month at 12:15 p.m. Retirees are invited to become part of the 60 Plus or Minus Seniors Club at Christ’s Lutheran Church, 700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Oreland. Good food, delicious desserts and friendly people make for a pleasant time. For information, call Christ’s Lutheran Church at 215-8864612. The Montco Senior Concert Choir: Meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the United Church of Christ, West Marshall and Noble streets, Norristown. Anyone interested in signing and bringing the joy of music to others is welcome. You must be 55 years or older. If interested, call John Bender at 610-279-1579. The Wentz’s United Church of Christ Companions group: Meets the first Thursday of every month at noon for lunch and companionship. Please contact the church for details at 610584-4855. BNI Ambler Chapter: Meets every Thursday at Talamore Country Club for a networking meeting and would like to extend the invitation. Meetings are from 7-8:30 a.m. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Steve Skolnick at 215-285-7337, or visit www.BNIDVR.com and click on the menu item “Find a Chapter.” flexible and ongoing according to your schedule. If you would like to help keep Ambler an attractive place to live and work by donating your time or by making a donation, call 215-219-6553. You can also send donations directly to Plant Ambler and mail to Borough of Ambler, 131 Rosemary Ave., Ambler, PA 19002.
HEALTH
Zumba: Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/ BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@ danceandmusic.biz or call 610277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org. TaiJi: The Montessori School will offer beginners classes in TaiJi and Qigong Tuesdays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tai Chi will help you develop better balance, more flexibility and coordination. Your breath will become deeper and more even. You’ll learn how to find and release your body’s tensions. Your everyday movements will become more efficient and you will feel better and have more energy to face the day. The school is located at 1710 Jarrettown Road, Dresher. To register or for more information, call 215-572-9189. Health education: Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs: Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month. Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where we’ll share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215753-2000. Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30 to 7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-2488047. New Moms Support Groups: Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to noon; contact Jeanine O’Rourke, MSW or 2:30 to 4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really “get it” when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing “new mom challenges” that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. o’Rourke, 215-206-2931. Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group: Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host “Ask the Doctor.” Registration required. Call 215-248-8325. PUPS (People Understanding Parkinson’s): Meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Find peace in a self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with early stages of Parkinson’s Disease. Group meets at the community center at the Giant Supermarket, 315 York Rd., Willow Grove. For more information, or to RSVP, call Lorna R. Glassman at 215-5422931.Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com.