Simon Doonan

Author, Columnist and Former Creative Ambassador for Barneys New York, writer, bon-vivant, window dresser extraordinaire and fashion commentator Simon Doonan has worked in fashion for over 35 years. 

His books include Cc Wacky Chicks, a memoir entitled Beautiful People, and tongue-in-cheek style guides entitled Eccentric Glamour and Gay Men Don’t Get Fat. His book, The Asylum: A Collage of Fashion Reminiscences…and Hysteria, is a collection of stories from his 35 years in the fashion industry. In June 2018, right before the World Cup, he released Soccer Style: The Magic and Madness. Drag: The Complete Story, explores drag’s journey through the twentieth century and up to the present day, and 100% of the proceeds are being donated to the Ali Forney Center in Harlem for LGBTQ homeless youth. His latest book, How to Be Yourself: Life-Changing Advice from a Reckless Contrarian, is an irreverent book of radically honest advice to help readers find — and then flaunt — their own creative style and vision. His most recent book is a biography of Keith Haring. Simon has also written regularly for The New York Observer, The Daily Beast and Slate.com.

He is a regular guest at the MOTH, the well-known storytelling series. His contributions have consistently become their most popular podcasts and NPR broadcasts.

A TV comedy series based on Beautiful People has aired in the UK, the US and Australia. Simon has been a featured guest on late-night talk shows such as Chelsea Lately and The Conan O’Brien Show. He has regularly appeared on America’s Next Top Model, VH1, Full Frontal Fashion and Bravo, and is a judge on the NBC television show, Making It, co-hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman.