Simon Doonan, Barneys New York creative director and window-dresser extraordinaire, recently swept into town to promote his hilarious new book “Nasty.”
RedEye caught up with him to chat about the nature of chic, Americans’ proclivity toward trashy garb and how to use one’s family background to become an international fashion icon.
How does Barneys maintain its status as groovy, of-the-moment retailer?
At Barneys, we always set out to differentiate ourselves with the mantra “Taste. Luxury. Humor.” We relied on scouting out great design and avoiding the pretentious, snotty side of fashion. Talent is the magic of finding what is interesting and what women can actually wear. Also, I made sure that our windows were always like Coney Island: outrageous and fun.
How did living with the bizarre family in your book help you morph into your stylish self?
I was born with a concept of high camp and glamor. So I appreciated that my mom never wavered from her bleach- blond, red-lipped ’40s glam look. But later, I learned that my upbringing allowed me to see the world in an unconventional way. Look at my windows! I’m no Karl Lagerfeld but, thanks to appearances on “America’s Top Model,” I am an F-list celebrity. Two people a day may recognize me at a mall.
What’s the secret of creating a signature look?
Now is a great time for people to express themselves. There is so much product, so many ways to dress. I hate the idea of makeovers. … Fashion should say “this is me” and express who you are. Just be yourself and wear what titillates you.
Why are celebrities such a huge part of fashion today?
Magazines are not puffing celebrities up, we are deconstructing them. Celebrity endorsements don’t mean [bleep]. Women have to connect with clothing and be able to wear it. Marketers think that if a celebrity wears something, we will all run out to get it. At the end of the day, fashion is like “American Idol.” America gets to vote. The magic of fashion happens when the woman tries on the product, feels great and looks great.
What’s hot for fall?
Black is back. Flat boots are the topic du jour.
What do you not like about fashion at the moment?
Hypersexuality. There is a contemporary eroticism of fashion, an expression of sexuality that is very pornographic. … American women think that sexiness equals fashion. This is not true. Think about the Belgians: super cool, not sexy. The ’60s were all about Twiggy chic, which was stylish but not overtly sexy. There is definitely a way to be suggestive rather than hoochie.
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SIMON’S LIKES
Black is back for fall.
Flat boots are a must.
‘NASTY’ LIST
Ignore endorsements from celebs.
Hoochie fashion
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Edited by Curt Wagner (cwwagner@tribune.com) and Kris Karnopp (kkarnopp@tribune.com)
