Image courtesy of BBC
Julien Macdonald
International Fashion Designer
Age: 42.
Professional partner: Janette Manrara.
Bookies original odds: 14 to 1.
I’m loving the rhinestones and lace, and the crystals. I just want more and more. I’ll probably look like a Christmas tree by the end!
Julien grew up in Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales. He attended Cardiff Art College for a one-year foundation course and his flair for fabric design, spurred him into enrolling in Brighton. on a degree course in Fashion Textiles. When Julien graduated he went on to complete a Master of Arts at the Royal College of Art, London before being poached by Karl Lagerfeld to be head designer of knitwear for Chanel.
In 2001, he was crowned British Fashion Designer of the Year and joined French fashion house Givenchy as creative director, following in the footsteps of Alexander McQueen. He branched out again in 2004 with a range for high street retailer Debenhams.
Julien has appeared on BBC’s It Takes Two in 2012 commenting on Strictly fashion.
In 2004 Julien received an OBE for his services to the fashion industry.
Julien is renowned for his glamourous dresses which have been worn by an international client list including Naomi Campbell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue and Cheryl Cole.
The livelaughlovetv fashion police are particularly excited about seeing Julien on the show. Fashion designer meets Strictly fashion; it could be quite a battle!
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