Simon DoonanThe Asylum: A collage of couture reminiscences...and hysteria

I loved this book (and all of Simon Doonan's books).First, they are laugh-out-loud funny.Second, I actually learn things -- not just about fashion, but Simon's creative references are so vast, I find myself making notes of movies to see, books to read, and countless other things to explore that he often mentions merely in passing. (See GAY MEN DON'T GET FAT for an extraordinary such list -- "The Gay Canon" in the chapter "The Bitter Tears of Jackie O"). Throughout each and every chapter of his works, I feel inspired to dive further into some off-hand reference he mentions.Third, Simon is writing about fashion (mostly) and other parallel, ephemeral topics and yet his keen intelligence and his sweet, soulful disposition allows us a deeper journey into some very human topics, for example the over-arching ambition of the young. IE, there's more depth here than the cornucopia of wit and fashion-emphasis might immediately suggest.Finally, the essay format is perfect -- one can dip in and out of essays at will or swallow the book in a whole sitting (as I did on a flight from JFK to Rome) -- but I realized that it works so well because each one is jam-packed with humor and charm and insight. [What I'm trying to say, is that you'll definitely have fun re-reading these essays for pleasure and picking up tidbits you might have missed the first time around.]In short, a thoroughly delightful book for anyone who cares about fashion, culture, or even just takes pleasure in the observations of a truly witty yet good-natured person observing the follies of our times.

Simon Doonan is a little sprite of a man with a creative brain that does not shut off and he has the memory of an elephant. I've always loved his dishy books (the old fashion editor in me dies hard). This book, not the best, but good, is more revealing about Simon than some of his others, but this little sprite of a man tickles me with his extensive almost encyclopedic knowledge of fashion and merchandizing. He was a display director at Barney's, the cutting edge New York clothing department store and party to a fashion revolution. His books are peopled with characters and bitch fights. . . because he has a very long memory.

I have been buying Mr. Doonan's books since Confessions of a Window Dresser.He cannot be beat for creative interest and fun gossip and total lack of ego.I am not finished with this book since I want it to last, it is such fun and very much a greatcompanion to fall's fashion weeks worldwide.His partner Jonathan Adler just opened a shop near me and I saw the book in the front window display. I have it on Kindlebut probably will also buy a hardcover.If you are a fashionista, do read this for a bit of laughing at ourselves and great gossip. Great insights too.

It was fun to hear all the background stories as remembered by Simon Doonan. I would have liked to hear a little more about the actual fashions, but that's just something I am interested in. I also didn't get some of his privet jokes, but I did laugh out loud while reading. A good, light summer beach read.

Unless you are on Joan River's staff or a major fashionista, a lot of the name checks won't mean much. I'm not a fashion nut and only knew a few of the names. Lots of name checking and a peek inside the world most of us don't see. I liked this OK, but wouldn't arm wrestle someone to read it again.I was really put off with the author's one upmanship with a friend who was a mental health worker. For him and her to compare schizophrenics with fashion workers was not funny, just mean and nasty.

It definitely had me laughing at some points. And it was certainly getting a lot of visibility in Paris this Christmas season, so you won't be alone in owning up to reading it. Loved how he gave the proper respect to Anna Wintour, a consummate professional and a woman who has never been given the boatload of credit she deserves for her brilliance.

I loved this spot on,hilarious book! Simon Doonan pulls off a tricky maneuver by sending up the Fashion world without biting the hands that feed him. He doesn't take himself too seriously so the usual bitchiness that describes the fashion world is replaced by laugh out loud humor. Reading The Asylum was like meeting an old friend with an interesting job for lunch. The conversation was great, the laughs non stop and the friendship stronger than ever.

Simon Doonan is to fashion what Calvin Trillin is to food writing. Mr. Doonan is an excellent writer, which the reader might fail to notice, having way too much fun laughing out loud while reading each page. I'm not a New Yorker and I'm not a fashionista but I love a good time and good writing. Thank you Simon! (I feel I can call you Simon after buying/reading 3 of your books.)

Straight shooter from inside the often insane world of fashion, Simon Doonan delivers yet again with style and flare. Often times funny he never forgets his humble beginnings and is quick to point out the absurd often seen as a rite by those driving forces that have and now shape the fashion industry.