Simon Doonan is a British author and fashion commentator known for his memoirs and cultural writing. His books explore personal experience, fashion history and identity.
Simon Doonan was born in Reading, England. His first job in retail was a summer job at Heelas, a department store in Reading. After university, he returned to Heelas and began working on window displays. This led to opportunities in London, where he designed windows for Aquascutum and Nutters of Savile Row. In 1978, he moved to the United States to create windows for Maxfield in Los Angeles.
In 1984, he worked on the gallery scene for Beverly Hills Cop. Later, he joined the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute under Diana Vreeland. In 1986, he joined Barneys New York as a window dresser. His bold displays made Barneys a cultural landmark. The Fashion Institute of Technology awarded him a CFDA and Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his work in 2011.
Doonan's writing career began in 1998 with the publication of Confessions of a Window Dresser. He later wrote Beautiful People (2005), which was made into a BBC television series that ran for two series from 2008 to 2009.
His book Drag: The Complete Story (2019) explores the history and impact of drag culture. He offers unconventional life advice in How to Be Yourself: Life-Changing Advice from a Reckless Contrarian (2020).
In 2020, he published Keith Haring, a biography of the American artist. Doonan knew Haring from New York art and fashion circles. Reflecting on the book, he says: "I felt I had an opportunity, having been there, to capture the energy. He described Haring's art as "strong communicative art that everyone can relate to".
In addition, Doonan has written columns for the New York Observer and Slate. He has also appeared as a guest on television shows, including America's Next Top Model and Gossip Girl. Since 2018, he has been a judge on the NBC show Making It, hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman.
Simon Doonan married the ceramicist Jonathan Adler in 2008. They live in Palm Beach, Florida, and Shelter Island, New York.
Photo credit: Joe Gaffney
Simon Doonan was born in Reading, England. His first job in retail was a summer job at Heelas, a department store in Reading. After university, he returned to Heelas and began working on window displays. This led to opportunities in London, where he designed windows for Aquascutum and Nutters of Savile Row. In 1978, he moved to the United States to create windows for Maxfield in Los Angeles.
In 1984, he worked on the gallery scene for Beverly Hills Cop. Later, he joined the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute under Diana Vreeland. In 1986, he joined Barneys New York as a window dresser. His bold displays made Barneys a cultural landmark. The Fashion Institute of Technology awarded him a CFDA and Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his work in 2011.
Doonan's writing career began in 1998 with the publication of Confessions of a Window Dresser. He later wrote Beautiful People (2005), which was made into a BBC television series that ran for two series from 2008 to 2009.
His book Drag: The Complete Story (2019) explores the history and impact of drag culture. He offers unconventional life advice in How to Be Yourself: Life-Changing Advice from a Reckless Contrarian (2020).
In 2020, he published Keith Haring, a biography of the American artist. Doonan knew Haring from New York art and fashion circles. Reflecting on the book, he says: "I felt I had an opportunity, having been there, to capture the energy. He described Haring's art as "strong communicative art that everyone can relate to".
In addition, Doonan has written columns for the New York Observer and Slate. He has also appeared as a guest on television shows, including America's Next Top Model and Gossip Girl. Since 2018, he has been a judge on the NBC show Making It, hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman.
Simon Doonan married the ceramicist Jonathan Adler in 2008. They live in Palm Beach, Florida, and Shelter Island, New York.
Photo credit: Joe Gaffney
years of life: 1952 – present
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