13 Facts About Julien Macdonald

Julien Macdonald was born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, where he attended Cyfarthfa High School.

When Julien finished High School he studied Art at The College Merthyr Tydfil, where he developed his design skills with lecturer Martyn Jones.

Julien Macdonald was taught knitting by his mother and soon became interested in design.

Julien Macdonald was interested in a career as a dancer, but, instead, studied textiles at the Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Brighton.

Julien Macdonald then became a student at the Royal College of Art, where he gained a master's degree.

In 2001, Julien Macdonald was appointed to the position of chief designer at the Paris Haute Couture house of Givenchy ; and, in 2001, he was named British Fashion Designer of the Year.

Julien Macdonald was selected by British Airways in 2001 to redesign their flight attendants' uniforms.

In 2014, Julien Macdonald launched an eyewear range in collaboration with Vision Express.

Julien Macdonald attracted much criticism for his extensive use of fur, including one incident in which he and Paris Hilton were flour-bombed.

Julien Macdonald stated that fur provides the majority of his revenue and that his label would collapse were he not to use it.

Julien Macdonald's dresses have been worn by celebrities including Kylie Minogue, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.

Julien Macdonald appeared as a judge on the British version of Project Runway, known as Project Catwalk, that was broadcast on Sky One.

In February 2010, Julien Macdonald was appointed as a new judge on Britain's Next Top Model, alongside new host and former supermodel, Elle Macpherson.