Simon Doonan

Simon Doonan

Keynote Speaker: Fashion Expert, Award-Winning Author, TV Judge

Simon Doonan Biography

Writer, author, and cultural commentator Simon Doonan has built a distinguished career in fashion and media over more than three decades. Known for his inventive window displays at Barneys New York, he has significantly influenced visual merchandising and retail aesthetics.

Doonan has authored several impactful books including "Confessions of a Window Dresser," "Wacky Chicks," and style-guides like "Eccentric Glamour" and "Gay Men Don't Get Fat." His memoir, "Beautiful People," has not only been a captivating read but also was adapted into a TV comedy series aired in the UK, the US, and Australia. His more recent literary works include "Drag: The Complete Story" and "Transformer: A Story of Glitter, Glam Rock and Loving Lou Reed," with the former's proceeds entirely benefiting the Ali Forney Center in Harlem.

A regular at The MOTH storytelling series, Doonan's narratives often feature on popular podcasts and NPR broadcasts, highlighting his prowess as a storyteller. He extends his influence in television as a judge on the Emmy-nominated show "Making It," co-hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, showcasing his expertise in creative expression and design.

Throughout his career, Doonan has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious CFDA Award, for his revolutionary approach to window dressing. His impactful collaborations and exhibits, such as assisting Diana Vreeland with Met Costume Institute exhibits and the "The Warhol Look" traveling exhibit, underscore his significant contributions to fashion and art.

Simon Doonan resides in New York City with his partner, ceramicist and designer Jonathan Adler, and their Norwich terrier, Liberace. His work continues to inspire and entertain, blending fashion insight with cultural commentary in his biweekly humor column for SLATE.com and various television and public speaking appearances.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Simon Doonan and other top speakers and celebrities.

Simon Doonan Speaking Topics

Eccentric Glamour

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!

Wacky Chicks: Life Lessons From Fearlessly Inappropriate and Fabulously Eccentric Women

Simon Doonan has long been fascinated with unconventional women. According to Doonan, a wacky chick (w.c.) is B.R.U.N.C.H.: "belligerent, resilient, uninhibited, naughty, creative and hilarious. She's got attitude and shows it." As the saying goes, "Well-behaved women seldom make history," and Doonan celebrates the women who defy rules, shape the cultural landscape, and enrich the world all with wild originality and rule-breaking chutzpah.

Confessions of a Window Dresser

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 of 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 Videos

Inside Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan's Whimsical Home ...
Dayna Isom Johnson & Simon Doonan Joins The BUILD Brunch Table
Simon Doonan: Eccentric Glamour

How do I book Simon Doonan to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Simon Doonan for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Simon Doonan, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Simon Doonan or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Simon Doonan for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Simon Doonan, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a virtual event is $20,000 - $30,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Simon Doonan, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Simon Doonan speak about?

Simon Doonan is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Disruptive Thinking, Women, Women in Business, Female Leadership, Women's Rights, Diversity & Inclusion, LGBTQ, Inspirational, Journalism, Literary, College, Fashion, Beauty, Culture, Lifestyle and Design.

Where does Simon Doonan travel from?

Simon Doonan generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Simon Doonan?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Simon Doonan for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Simon Doonan for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Simon Doonan or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Simon Doonan is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Disruptive Thinking, Women and Women in Business. The estimated speaking fee range to book Simon Doonan for virtual events is $20,000 - $30,000. Please contact us for live event fees. Simon Doonan generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Judith Light, Mondo Guerra and Tim Gunn. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Simon Doonan for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/11/2024.

Simon Doonan Speaking Topics

  • Eccentric Glamour

    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!

  • Wacky Chicks: Life Lessons From Fearlessly Inappropriate and Fabulously Eccentric Women

    Simon Doonan has long been fascinated with unconventional women. According to Doonan, a wacky chick (w.c.) is B.R.U.N.C.H.: "belligerent, resilient, uninhibited, naughty, creative and hilarious. She's got attitude and shows it." As the saying goes, "Well-behaved women seldom make history," and Doonan celebrates the women who defy rules, shape the cultural landscape, and enrich the world all with wild originality and rule-breaking chutzpah.

  • Confessions of a Window Dresser

    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 of 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 Videos

Inside Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan's Whimsical Home ...
Dayna Isom Johnson & Simon Doonan Joins The BUILD Brunch Table
Simon Doonan: Eccentric Glamour
The Moth Presents Simon Doonan: The First Elf
Simon Doonan | Interview | TimesTalks

Simon Doonan News

  • How do I book Simon Doonan to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Simon Doonan for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Simon Doonan, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Simon Doonan or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Simon Doonan for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Simon Doonan, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a virtual event is $20,000 - $30,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire Simon Doonan, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Simon Doonan speak about?

    Simon Doonan is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Disruptive Thinking, Women, Women in Business, Female Leadership, Women's Rights, Diversity & Inclusion, LGBTQ, Inspirational, Journalism, Literary, College, Fashion, Beauty, Culture, Lifestyle and Design.
  • Where does Simon Doonan travel from?

    Simon Doonan generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Simon Doonan?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Simon Doonan for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Simon Doonan for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Simon Doonan or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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