The Eccentric Side of Glam
Simon Doonan's latest book, "Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You," teaches women how to take their own paths. It doesn't matter which path that is, the Barneys New York creative director insists, so long as it doesn't conform to tabloid standards. To be more specific, don't dress like a "Stepford blow-up doll."
"My problem isn't that women look like strippers," Doonan said while seated in the second floor of Barneys at the Palazzo recently. "My problem is that all women are looking the same." And the sameness happens to fall under what he refers to as "porno chic."
According to Doonan, insecurities amplify the redundancy. Phone calls to girlfriends that begin with "What are you wearing?" and celebrity magazines that end with pages of "What Was She Thinking?" push women to dress in chorus with each other. Consequently, individuality becomes an endangered species and the Lindsay Lohans and Carmen Electras of the world emerge as the over applauded norm.
Thankfully, a few black sheep dare to dress against the grain. Several make a cameo in Doonan's book. All of them would sooner join a nudist colony than don anything a stylist put together for them. "Style is about personal expression," he said. It's not about encouraging all women "to go out and get their big handbag, their Starbucks cup and their long Carrie Underwood hair."
Rather, "Eccentric Glamour" dares women to do just the opposite of what the experts deem "all the rage." If a magazine refers to it as a must-have, a true glamorous eccentric would have nothing to do with it.
Dita von Teese, Tilda Swinton, Iman, Lucy Liu and the late Isabella Blow all garner shout outs in Doonan's book. According to Doonan, they all "say no to ho and yes to eccentric glamour."
Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.
turning the table
Each of the subjects Simon Doonan profiled in "Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You" filled out a questionnaire about their eccentric glamorousness. Since the author himself undoubtedly falls into EG status, we decided it was only fair for him to answer the same questions. Here are his eccentric and equally glamorous responses.
What are you wearing?
A Paul Smith jacket made of curtain fabric, Earnest Sewn jeans, Prada shirt, Dolce & Gabbana tie and Hogan shoes with a little lift in the back so I'm less of a midget.
When did you first realize that you might in fact be a glamorous eccentric?
In the '60s I was a teen and that's when Carnaby Street (in London) exploded. All I wanted to do was live in swinging London. It was very mod, pre-hippie and it's still a part of my look, like The Who and The Kinks.
Were your parents horrified?
No, they barely even noticed what I was doing. I had a chaotic childhood. I feel bad that children are never ignored anymore. It's good for them.
Are you prone to mood swings?
I'm very mellow and very patient. I juggle an enormous number of projects and have learned that a velvet glove gets you more than an iron fist.
Have you ever been mocked for any of your glamorous eccentricities?
Yes, of course. I would be disappointed if I hadn't.
What is the most eccentrically glam thing in your closet?
During the glam rock punk craze thing it was a pair of plaid bondage pants. Now it's probably my collection of Sammy Davis Jr. evening shirts.
Have you ever wished you could trade in your life of glamorous eccentricity for one of dreary conformity?
No. I'm always looking for the twist. If there isn't one, I make one.
When does eccentric glamour become idiocy?
I don't think it does, really.
Who is your inspirational icon of glamorous eccentricity?
Madonna. She's inspirational, a philanthropist who's keeping it real.
Do women/men think you're hot?
As I've gotten older women respond more because I'm short and look distinguished. With men, they do if I'm in a swimsuit because I have fabulous legs.
What is the thing that most offends your glamorously eccentric sensibilities?
People being pointlessly negative. I always celebrate people's crazy style.
Where do you wish to be buried, and in what?
Jonathan Adler and I have a house on Shelter Island. It's a place where we can be silly and dorky and have fun. I want to be wearing my fabulous Paul Smith jacket; it's a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll.
