Style icon and author Simon Doonan will be the guest speaker at the annual Newark Museum’s Benefit Luncheon on Tuesday, November 1 from 11 am to 2:30 pm. The subject of Doonan’s talk will be “What is Creativity,” and he will attempt to answer this complicated question with images and recollections from his ground-breaking window display career at Barneys New York.
The British born Doonan joined the staff of the national luxury retailer Barneys in 1986 and currently serves as its Creative Ambassador. While serving as its Creative Director, he was known for his “out there” window displays, such as his 1989 depiction of lumpy caricatures of Madonna, Margaret Thatcher and other celebrities. Doonan has won every major fashion award including the coveted CFDA Award. In 2009, he was invited by President and Mrs. Obama to decorate the White House for the holidays.
In 2008, a television comedy series based on Doonan’s memoir Beautiful People aired in the UK, the US and Australia. He writes a regular column for Slate titled Notes from the Fashion Apocalypse. Doonan has been a featured guest on late-night talk show such as Chelsea Lately and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. He has regularly appeared on America’s Next Top Model, VH1, Full Frontal Fashion, Bravo and Gossip Girl. Doonan is married to ceramicist and designer Jonathan Adler.
The luncheon also features a champagne reception, pop up designer trunk shows and raffles. Raffle proceeds benefit both the Newark Museum and the Livingston Community Players.
The luncheon co-chairs are Stephanie Glickman and Jazz Johnson. For tickets, please visit newarkmuseum.org.
