Simon Doonan

I genuinely enjoyed Simon Doonan, as I’ve seen his work before. He started in the department store industry where he eventually began designing window displays in unconventional ways. Fantasy-like, gory, busy and often disturbing, I personally really appreciate his work. I love his touch of humor in many of the examples that were shown in the backdrop during the event. Although however outlandish his displays were, they did exactly what they needed to do—capture attention.
 Doonan also discussed the fashion world, and unsurprisingly he mentioned that he thinks even fashion is subjective, and so it was not in his place to dress people. As a result, he has little to no critique on outfits and style. Personally I appreciate his stance, as I feel strongly about make-up in the same manner. However, I do also think that there can be a standard of fashion, and not to mention, often people have the desire to be trendy but simply cannot. In addition, there is often a limit to one’s style, even if one doesn’t intend it. I don’t see an issue with helping certain people with fashion, and I think that by sharing one’s taste, one can share his or her style. It’s a celebration of different tastes.
 Overall, Doonan was an eccentric personality with great messages to share. I'm a fan.

Petal Fashion

Fashion designs using flower petals. I found these and thought other people would be interesting in seeing them!

Tattoo Designs

Some tattoo designs I did recently for a friend...

Simon Doonan Talk

Simon Doonan Talk (Extra Credit)

I really enjoyed the discussion on Tuesday, October 14th with Simon Doonan. Displayed in the backdrop throughout the event, images of Doonan appeared in the backdrop. These images showed him posing with other fashion mogels, flyers to his most popular events, and the variety of his style. As a creative ambassador and fashion mogel, Doonan started in the department store industry. Eventually, he was placed as a window display creator and his career took off from there. After considering traditional store window etiquette, Doonan felt it best to break those very rules. He created gory windows, bloody windows, creepy windows, extremely busy windows, disturbing windows, and more. For him, it was about attracting the viewers attention through obscurity.

He then went on to discuss his place within the fashion world. Although this is true, he surprising stated that he does not judge others' outfits. I found that quite interesting. He feels that people should wear what they want to wear and what they feel most comfortable in; it is not his place to dress anyone. Doonan even gave an example. He remembered the time he was invited to be on the show "Fashion Police." However, Doonan felt uncomfortable on the show because he simply didn't have much opinions on the people's clothing choices. Needless to say, he wasn't invited back. Additionally, Doonan pointed out his own shirt. He knew that he liked it, but also knew that most men of the world world would neither like, nor wear his shirt. This was completely okay with him. Towards the end of the discussion, Doonan informed us that although he was able to have free range of his window display designs, it first took him learning and understanding the concepts before ever breaking away from tradition. The discussion was entertaining and I am glad I was able to attend.

Art Walk

I ended up making it out to the brewery art walk which was amazing.  The space is massive and it was practically a maze of artist studios and living spaces.  I think that they have 2 of these open houses per year, so I will be sure to go to the other one as well.  The best part of it all though was that you got to see all the artist's work, and then ask them questions if you had any.  It was a very rare experience to be able to have access to the creator of every single piece there is to see at the place.

OK Go - Three Primary Colors

Hi everyone,

I came across this on Pinterest today.  I thought it was appropriate for what we are doing in class...  And, it's kinda fun.  Hope you enjoy.

Sesame Street: OK Go - Three Primary Colors: http://youtu.be/yu44JRTIxSQ

Katie.

Simon Doonan on Creativity

Simon Doonan offered an interesting perspective on design and creativity at his Roski Talk on October 14th. Doonan is well-known for his elaborate department store window displays as he always challenged what was considered "conventional". For instance, if a department store was showing clothing that was pretty and polished, Doonan would dress the window to be dark and dingy. He said that he liked to "do the opposite on an extreme level". Doonan recognized how today it is becoming harder to do so as the line between conventional and unconventional is getting less clear. With so many creative outlets, including social media platforms, it's becoming harder to stand out as a creative. Doonan also questioned whether there is a such thing as good taste and bad taste. In terms of fashion, Doonan likes to take an anthropological look at clothing and believes that taste is completely subjective. As the Creative Ambassador-at-Large for Barney's New York, Doonan continues to influence the luxury department store's aesthetic from one season to the next.

Some of his most famous window displays include his 2006 "Happy Andy Warhol-idays"display and his 2009 SNL-themed display, both for Barney's New York.  (Shown below)