Simon Doonan’s Very Chic (and Helpful!) Gift Guide

November 10, 2014

We couldn’t let Simon go without asking him for a few more helpful holiday suggestions. Check out his tips below and his fabulous gift guide in our slideshow.

theFashionSpot: What are your tips for gifting when you don’t know someone that well?

Simon Doonan: Hello! A Barneys holiday gift card. Duh!

tFS: Where do you stand on regifting?

SD: Pay it forward. I am a big believer in regifting.

tFS: Gift wrap or gift bags — which do you prefer?

SD: I love a gift in a Barneys holiday bag. Wait till you see this year’s gorgeous Baz Luhrmann-designed bag.

tFS: Is it ever OK to be late with a present?

SD: Totally! Better late than never. But you better make sure it’s a really groovy, mind-blowing gift.

Simon Doonan

What to Buy Your Fashionable BFF

If it's your best friend, then you need to blow his/her mind with something daring and a bit OTT from Saint Laurent.
Saint Laurent Giraffe-Print Jacket, $2,390.
What to Buy Your Boyfriend or Husband

My husband seems to destroy his sweaters in a matter of weeks. Maybe he chews them when I am not looking. A sweater is therefore the perfect gift for him.
Barneys New York Half-Zip Sweater, $750.
What to Buy Your Dog

Our doggie died (of old age) in September. If he was still alive, I would get him a fancy pair of Prada shoes. I know he would enjoy chewing them.
Prada Linea Rossa Chelsea Boots, $690.
What to Buy Your Foodie Friend You Only See Once a Month for Brunch

I would give him some Sencha tea to settle his foodie stomach. Then I would treat him to a slap-up meal at Freds.
Japanese Sencha Green Tea, $14.
What to Buy Your Former Intern Who Now Has a Far Chicer Job Than You

I would give him some note cards. It's time he sent me a letter of gratitude for all the help and support.
Connor Medallion-Engraved Notecard Set, $85.
What to Buy Your Friend with a Very Cute Baby

Babies are hipsters, too. A Montauk T-shirt would hit the spot.
City Threads Montauk Tee, $29.
What to Buy Your Sister Who You May or May Not Like

I adore my sister, so I would spoil her with something she would NEVER buy herself.
Chloe Marcie Mini Satchel with Strap, $1,650.
What to Buy the PR Maven Who's Obsessed with Psychics

Every PR maven needs a trippy lip.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture 58 Luminous Mauve, $35.
What to Buy Your Chapeau-Wearing Employee

An Elder Statesman turban will keep her warm and flu-free all winter.
The Elder Statesman Knit Turban, $385.
What to Buy the Germaphobe in Your Office

That would be me. A nifty pair of washable gloves. Hello!
Drake's Contrast-Cuff Gloves, $60.
What to Buy the Person Who Has Everything

Even the person who has everything does not have one of these demented objets d'art from Fornasetti.
Fornasetti In Crocodile Mouth Plate, $305.
What to Buy the One Friend Who Never Likes Anything

Even the most difficult recipient loves a Frédéric Malle room spray. Nobody wants the house to smell funky.
Frédéric Malle Perfume Gun Russian Nights, $160.

Writer, bon-vivant, window dresser extraordinaire, Creative Ambassador for Barneys New York and fashion commentator Simon Doonan has worked in fashion for over 35 years. He has written six books: Confessions of a Window Dresser, Wacky Chicks, a memoir entitled Beautiful People and tongue-in-cheek style guides entitled Eccentric Glamour and Gay Men Don't Get Fat. His latest book, THE ASYLUM: a collage of fashion reminiscences…and hysteria, is a collection of stories from his 35 years in the fashion industry. He has written regularly for The New York Observer, The Daily Beast, and currently writes a biweekly humor column for SLATE.com.

Simon has won many awards for his groundbreaking and unconventional window displays, including the CFDA Award. In 2009 he was invited by President and Mrs. Obama to decorate the White House for the Holidays. In 2010 Simon was commissioned by Target to design the season’s Halloween costumes.

Simon Doonan lives in New York City with his partner, the ceramicist and designer Jonathan Adler.

| Every woman's wardrobe should include a biker jacket. There are days when every gal needs to get tough.