Simon Doonan

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 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.

Simon Doonan has two passions in life: Fashion and Soccer. At one time these two obsessions would have made very strange bedfellows. But times have changed: soccer and fashion have fallen in love. The unapologetic and unbridled style choices of today's soccer stars offer a fascinating window into the heart of the game. Looking at the beautiful game through the lens of style, Doonan entertainingly explores the magic and madness of this unique culture. Charting soccer style from its very beginnings, he pays homage to the great style icons of the game, from George Best to Lionel Messi, before turning his gaze to the hair, the tattoos, and the cars, not to mention those other style icons of the game: the fans, the managers, and, of course, the WAGs. Doonan's laser wit and hilarious observations are complemented by a rich visual presentation, making this a laugh out-loud event for even the most fickle soccer fan or fashionista. A celebration of the beautiful game through the lens of fashion and style – less Fever Pitch and more Saturday Night Fever Pitch - Doonan's brilliantly witty observations dissect the unique style choices and visual culture of these wealthy and talented young men.

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!

So many of us go through life pretending to be someone else or not being our full selves. Simon Doonan understands that struggle and that’s why he wrote his book How to Be Yourself, where he walks us through every aspect of our lives -- fashion, socializing, love, work, decor, and family -- to help readers find, and then flaunt, their own creative style and vision. In his talks, Doonan brings the lessons of the book to life, teaching audiences to find the ways of being that are authentic and original to them, and doing so with his signature humor and radical personal honesty.