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Deliciously Doonan |
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His name is synonymous with style and sensationalism. Simon Doonan is a darling of the fashion world and PinkMemo had the pleasure of sitting down, and getting down, with the creative character himself. In his latest book Eccentric Glamour, Doonan dares to tackle the tacky in this uninhibited, unapologetic narrative that is written to turn fashion conformist into Eccentric Glamazons one page at a time.
Summer is starting and Simon is saving! Saving fashionless females from themselves by saying NO to HO and YES to Eccentric Glamour! Upon entering Barney’s at Dallas’ NorthPark Center, Simon Doonan, the creative director for Barney’s New York since 1986, was busily signing copy after copy of his latest literary creation titled Eccentric Glamour. |
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Simon Doonan and Eccentric Glamour
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While trying not to interrupt his autographing, I introduced myself only to be told by Simon, while peering at me over his Buddy Holly-esque tortoise frame spectacles “I’ve met you before. Yes, I have, in front of the stage listening to Patty Labelle belting out Lady Marmalade for the Dallas Barney’s opening,” (imagine my pleasant surprise!) “Let’s chat, shall we?” |
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Barneys Runway
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Dressed in one of his signature liberty prints button-downs, ultra dark denim jeans, Hermes sport lace-ups shoes, and an orange Hermes watch, Simon ushered me over to have a seat in the shoe salon were he began to dish on all things fashion, fabulous, and fatale (in the fashion world, that is). He is poised, and unassumingly elegant, as he instantly began talking about his new book and why it needed to be written. “There are two trends that are worrying me in fashion today.” Doonan digresses to discuss the notion of these “gun-shy celebrities” who are afraid to take risks. He says that there is no diversity anymore; especially on the red carpet. “It is this idiosyncrasy that is killing women. Everyone wants to look like everyone else and no one wants to stand out or have personal expression. It’s tragic really.”
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The second worrying trend is Simon’s coined phrase of Porno Chic. This idea of porno chic comes from the new display of flagrant sexuality and the conformity of our society to associate with it. “The boobs, the Botox, the bottle-blond. Spray tan, Lee Press-On nails. Forgetting ones knickers while the paparazzi get their picture climbing ungracefully into a chauffeured SUV. It’s tasteless and tacky. Women have gone nuts!” Simon desperately wants to see some intrinsic differences in ones personal style as opposed to what our celebrity obsessed society tries to mimic from celebrity figures like Paris Hilton, Tara Reid and others from young Hollywood. Doonan dares Hollywood darlings to be different.
Though Doonan doesn’t particularly believe in following a distinct set of fashion trends, he does say that now is the time to live in the moment and to focus on the current season: Spring. He says that girls should relax and shouldn’t race into the next season. “Color, prints, and florals. I love it! An orgy of color and women will have a ball!” “That’s why I love Texas women. They know how to wear color and this is the season for it.” Simon also suggests that there are some serious designers to be on the look-out for: Dries Van Noten is key, Barney’s signature line for prints, and Stella McCartney. And also be aware of up-and-coming designers like Alexander Wang and Philip Lim to be making a stellar Spring splash. |
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Boudicca
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Marni
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Simon’s picks for Essential Eccentric Spring (and life) Style:
- Define your sense of self.
- There are 3 ways to Eccentric Glamour: find your own! And, he commands you must read the book to find out what those are.
- Costume yourself and wardrobe your character.
Doonan does not like to play by a set of style rules, or go by what’s in or what’s out, or do’s and don’ts. “Conformity is the only crime and dressing down is the only faux-pas” to quote from Simon. He says that style is a form of personal expression and there are no rules in fashion. For his own personal style, Simon says he has always loved Liberty prints; that they take him back to the ‘60’s. “A time of the mod-movement, Twiggy, The Kinks, and Carnaby Street.”
How can you argue with a man who has such an indigenous sense of self, spirit and style? That’s Simon. And we love him. Long live Eccentric Glamour! |
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Photo: Evan Caglage, Fashion at the Park, NorthPark Center, Spring 2008 |
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