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Simon Doonan            

Fashion Expert, Award-Winning Author, TV Judge

Writer, author, and cultural commentator Simon Doonan has built a distinguished career in fashion and media over more than three decades. Known for his inventive window displays at Barneys New York, he has significantly influenced visual merchandising and retail aesthetics.

Doonan has authored several impactful books including "Confessions of a Window Dresser," "Wacky Chicks," and style-guides like "Eccentric Glamour" and "Gay Men Don't Get Fat." His memoir, "Beautiful People," has not only been a captivating read but also was adapted into a TV comedy series aired in the UK, the US, and Australia. His more recent literary works include "Drag: The Complete Story" and "Transformer: A Story of Glitter, Glam Rock and Loving Lou Reed," with the former's proceeds entirely benefiting the Ali Forney Center in Harlem.

A regular at The MOTH storytelling series, Doonan's narratives often feature on popular podcasts and NPR broadcasts, highlighting his prowess as a storyteller. He extends his influence in television as a judge on the Emmy-nominated show "Making It," co-hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, showcasing his expertise in creative expression and design.

Throughout his career, Doonan has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious CFDA Award, for his revolutionary approach to window dressing. His impactful collaborations and exhibits, such as assisting Diana Vreeland with Met Costume Institute exhibits and the "The Warhol Look" traveling exhibit, underscore his significant contributions to fashion and art.

Simon Doonan resides in New York City with his partner, ceramicist and designer Jonathan Adler, and their Norwich terrier, Liberace. His work continues to inspire and entertain, blending fashion insight with cultural commentary in his biweekly humor column for SLATE.com and various television and public speaking appearances.

Speech Topics

Eccentric Glamour

The 21st century is shaping up to be, at least from a style point of view, the most terrifying, titillating, tumultuous, fabulously tacky, gloriously glam-obsessed, spray-tanned, deliciously deranged, and relentlessly entertaining period in the history of La Mode. Offering an antidote to the trend of what he calls "porno chic" and the botox makeovers that make so many women look the Real Housewives of Orange County, Doonan believes that developing a glamorously eccentric style involves revealing and magnifying everything which is unique and idiosyncratic about you. A wonderful blend of anecdotes and advice, Doonan’s presentation offers the women of America an alternative to the ubiquitous cheapness and tackiness which currently passes for personal style. SAY NO TO HO!....and yes to ECCENTRIC GLAMOUR!

Wacky Chicks: Life Lessons From Fearlessly Inappropriate and Fabulously Eccentric Women

Simon Doonan has long been fascinated with unconventional women. According to Doonan, a wacky chick (w.c.) is B.R.U.N.C.H.: "belligerent, resilient, uninhibited, naughty, creative and hilarious. She's got attitude and shows it." As the saying goes, "Well-behaved women seldom make history," and Doonan celebrates the women who defy rules, shape the cultural landscape, and enrich the world all with wild originality and rule-breaking chutzpah.

Confessions of a Window Dresser

Fashion has become the ultimate distraction. From shows like Project Runway to the never-ending coverage of what the latest celebrity is wearing, it pervades almost every facet of popular culture today. As the creative director of Barney’s, Simon Doonan is a true fashion insider who believes in fashion as a ROUTE TO of self-expression. But he also likes to call himself a "fashion contrarian," challenging strongly-held beliefs about style and encouraging fun every step of the way.

In this very visual presentation loaded with gorgeous images, Doonan offers a true inside look into the exclusive and often silly world of fashion. He explores the pop culture of the last twenty years, including the grooviest merchandise, the hottest fashion trends, and the most gossiped about glitterati. With his inimitable British sense of humor , Doonan shares his creative inspirations, insights on his collaborations with fashion designers (Prada, Comme des Garcons, Chanel, Armani, Lang, Alaia, Lacroix, Gaultier, among many others), and what it's like to work with some of our day's most notorious artists and celebrities

News

Barneys Creative Ambassador Simon Doonan Becomes High School Principal
Simon Doonan, Barneys’ creative ambassador, shot to fame with his dazzling window displays for the luxury retailer. Last week the fashion guru and author stepped out from behind the glass and into the role of “principal” at New York’s High School of Fashion Industries (HSFI), where he shared his pearls of wisdom with fashion’s future heavyweights.
Simon Doonan Talks Fashion, Self-Love and The Future
Simon Doonan, the illustrious, boldly outfitted, witty, legendary window dresser, and the brains behind the creative direction of department store Barneys New York, talked to design editor Meg Busacca.
Simon Doonan and Nexxus® Create First-Ever Premium Window ...
Simon Doonan lives in New York City with his partner, the ceramicist and designer Jonathan Adler and their Norwich terrier Liberace. About the Tony Awards.

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