Simon Doonan Livres

"In newly accessible archives, Lou Reed explains that he made Transformer because he thought it was "dreary for gay people to have to listen to straight people's love songs." That groundbreaking idea echoed with the times, as the early '70s were milestone years for LGBTQ+ rights. In this poignant, honest, laugh-out-loud exploration, Simon Doonan places the album's creation within Reed's astonishingly creative life. He tracks him from co-creator of the revolutionary band the Velvet Underground through to his torrid collaboration with David Bowie at the height of his sequined Ziggy Stardust incarnation - a collaboration that would encourage a whole era of amazing disruptiveness. Transformer: A Story of Glitter, Glam Rock & Loving Lou Reed is also Simon's very personal memoir of coming of age and coming out. With his signature wit, he tells firsthand the album's impact on the LGBTQ+ community, including on him, a working-class kid from Reading England. As transgender icon and Warhol Factory star Candy Darling told Reed about her place in his lyrics a half century ago: "It's so nice to hear ourselves." -- Book jacket

Revolutionary and renegade, Keith Haring was an artist for the people, creating an instantly recognisable repertoire of symbols - barking dogs, space-ships, crawling babies, clambering faceless people - which became synonymous with the volatile culture of 1980s. Like a careening, preening pinball, Keith Haring playfully slammed into all aspects of this decade - hip-hop, new-wave, graffiti, funk, art, style, gay culture - and brought them together.--Amazon.com

An irreverent book of radically honest advice by renowned fashion arbiter and legendary window dresser Simon Doonan

My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a remarkably creative individual who defied early criticism from a pottery professor. Rather than abandon his passion, Adler revolutionized pottery, elevating it from a mundane craft to a symbol of modern luxury, ultimately becoming America's first celebrity potter. Interior designer Bill Sofield praises Adler's influence, likening it to Noel Coward's impact on cocktail parties. The book presents Adler's playful design "manifesto," with each chapter exploring a different tenet, showcasing his signature interiors and products, culminating in his personal creative journey. A visual delight, it features a rich array of images of both Adler's designs and those that inspire him. Central to the narrative are ten of Adler's iconic interiors, including the modernist beach house of photographer Andrea Stern and the transformed Parker Palm Springs resort. The book also highlights the homes shared by Adler, his partner Simon Doonan, and their dog, Liberace, across various locations. This literary debut is a vibrant blend of artist portrait and design inspiration, offering readers a spirited and motivating experience.