Julien Macdonald

Julien Macdonald biograhpy

Born: Methyr Tydfil, Wales, 1974

Julien Macdonald studied Fashion Knitwear at The University of Brighton. After graduating he furthered his education studying for his MA at London’s Royal College of Art. His graduation show in 1996 caught the attention of  Karl Lagerfeld, who hired Macdonald as Head Design of Knitwear for Chanel and for his own personal label.  Macdonald worked for both labels for two years before launching his own eponymous label.

In 2000 Macdonald was asked to design the British Airways uniform and create a range of clothing for Barbie. In 2001 Macdonald was named British Fashion Designer of the Year which followed with his appointment as Creative Director at Givenchy succeeding Alexander McQueen.

Macdonald started a partnership with Debenhams in 2003. ‘The Star by Julien Macdonald’ range has expanded to feature women’s occasional wear, accessories, home ware and makeup.

In 2004 Macdonald left Givenchy wanting to concentrate on his own label. In 2006 Macdonald was awarded an Order of the British Empire for his services to the fashion industry.

In 2007 Macdonald met Jamey Hargreaves, a private investor. Together the pair aimed to transform the business into a glamorous luxury British brand. In 2010 Macdonald appeared as a judge on ‘Britain’s Next Top Model’, where he has remained for the past two series.

Cheryl Cole, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Bekinsale have all worn Juilen Macdonald’s designs. Manufactured in Italy, his collections are available in luxury boutiques and shops across the world.

Known for transforming knitwear from its conventional use, Julien Macdonald’s style is modern glamour. Once commenting, ‘I love women and I love sparkly clothes’, Macdonald knows how to create dresses.

Julien Macdonald biograhpy