Barneys Creative Embassador Discusses What Personal Style Really Means
Simon Doonan is not a man of mystery. Unlike many other similarly important players in the fashion industry, if you spend an hour in his company you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve known him for years. Whether he’s offering his candid opinions on contemporary designers, or alluding to his (very brief) stint as a male escort, Doonan’s life can often read like a very entertaining book. It is easy then to understand the cult-like following he’s accumulated over the years–through his frequent columns in The Observer and prolific literary output–as well as his unquestionable status as a style icon. Elevating himself through sheer sweat and the innate creativity that he developed during a hardscrabble childhood in post-war England–a childhood that was later made into a TV series for the BBC, appropriately from the minds behind Ab-Fab and The Office–Doonan defies all expectations.
His latest book Gay Men Don’t Get Fat, cements the Creative Ambassador-at-Large for Barneys, as a one of the hardest working men in the business. Loosely positioned as a diet book, in reality this tome is a cheeky and humorous discussion of what it means to love fashion, to be be a gay man in today’s (and yesterday’s) society, and what difficulties face bold and ambitious women in the 21st century.
Along with tips and anecdotes, the recounting of moral support given to the right young man (or woman), at the right time in their life, reads like a stylish equivalent to Dan Savage’s It Gets Better campaign. In this case though, it doesn’t just get better–it gets fabulous!
At a recent breakfast for fashion and beauty writers, held at Barneys flagship store on Madison Avenue –where Doonan gave a reading from this, his sixth book– we were able to catch up with him and pose a few questions:
What made you want to write this book? Especially one so focused on dietary habits?
I wanted to take my gay wisdom and fling it at an unsuspecting world. It’s a humor book. The goal of it is to encourage everyone, gay or straight, to live their lives with the reckless flamboyance of we gays, and wee gays like me. P.S. Most of it has nothing to do with food.
You mention that from early on you had a love of high/low culture. Obviously working at Barneys for so many years you’ve had access to some of the highest of highs; How do you think this has worked its way into your designs (and overall aesthetic) for the store?
I love pop culture. I never wanted my windows to be elitist. I like to CONNECT, if you know what I mean, and I suspect you do.
From a very young age you seemed to have a desire to pursue design and fashion related fields. If you hadn’t become a successful window dresser and display artist, how do you think you would have used that creativity?
I have no idea. I don’t think I would have made a very good fashion designer. All my ideas are too extreme and insane. I always want people to look freaky and strange, even if they themselves have no desire to.
You mention that this love of visuals (plus your discovery of the hidden gay subculture of England’s parks) provided a “watershed” moment for you in your personal development. Have you seen any images in the media, movies, or magazines you think might provide similar “aha!” moments for the current generation of LGBT youth?
Young kids today have the internet. There are billions of AHA moments at their fingertips. Google Image ‘NANCY CUNARD’ and prepare to worship.
In the book, you have very strong opinions on heterosexual male fashion and its shortcomings. Does this come from having had exposure to a certain sub-sect of unfashionable straight people, or is this part of a general call to arms for men to up their game?
I want straight guys to relax and sparkle and not worry so much about their perceived virility. Look at Louis the Fourteenth: he wore make-up and ruffles even when he went into battle.
What do you think of the sudden explosion in men’s fashion and grooming? I’m thinking in specific of all the bespoke, tailored, and heritage fashions of late. That and the “artisanal shaving” trends we’ve been seeing the last few years.
Even though they look nice and clean, it worries me a little because the guys all end up looking a bit tight-assed and very similar to one another. The most important thing is to rock an individual look.
What straight man of public note do you think really successfully straddles the line of fashionable yet rugged?
David Beckham always looks totally fantabulous. He is the Kate Moss of bloke style.
In one of your chapters, you talk about how women today are very quick to jump on new fashion trends–often sacrificing the evolution of their own style. Obviously this runs counter what most luxury or retail brands have been pushing. How would you like the industry to change more to have it be easier for women to navigate their personal style?
If you want to figure out your own personal style, just stand in front of the mirror and ask yourself the following question:
“Am I a GYPSY, an EXISTENTIALIST or a SOCIALITE.” In other words, “Am I Florence Welch, Tilda Swinton or Mrs. Obama? Once you have decided, it’s gets much easier.
You mention a lot of female style icons from past decades who have inspired you–everyone from Jackie O to Amanda Lear. Who of today’s starlets do you most admire or think are worthy of the fashion set’s admiration?
I love all the freaky musicians like Kesha and Nikki Minaj and Lady Gaga and Lily Allen.
Throughout the book you mention the difference between “gay food” and “straight food.” Obviously the American diet, heavy on meats and cheeses, would be the straightest?
I think you are incorrect about U.S. food. There are loads of gay things to eat here in America. BLUEBERRIES!!! Hello!
In an ideal world, who would you most like to pick up your book, and what would they get from it?
I would like chicks to read it and experience a surge of stylish recklessness and glamorous empowerment.
Do you have any plans on the horizon for any other upcoming projects, or online columns? Have you ever thought of creating a full Palare dictionary?
My next project is my book tour. I am like a gay democratic Mitt Romney, traveling the nation and spreading my message.
Thanks Simon!
Photo via Albert Sanchez.
Recent Articles By Laura Feinstein 
Laura Feinstein is a regular contributor for PSFK.com who specializes in fashion ideas and inspiration. Laura is a freelance writer, social media expert, brand consultant and copy editor in Greenpoint Brooklyn. At PSFK for close to four years, she focuses on the intersection where design, technology, art, and fashion intersect.
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