Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon, 67, addresses tweakments, dyeing his hair and wearing budgie smugglers. The iconic frontman, known for his flamboyant style and timeless hits, speaks candidly about fashion faux pas and his wife's invaluable advice.
Style Icons and Early Days
As Duran Duran prepares to join music legends like Nile Rodgers and Scissor Sisters at British Summer Time in Hyde Park on July 5, Simon reveals his style icons: the late Duke of Edinburgh, David Bowie, punk figures like Sid Vicious, and Patti Smith. At 22, he auditioned for the band wearing pearlescent pink Chelsea boots, burgundy leopard-skin drainpipes, a brown suede jacket, and wraparound shades. Hired for his look, he went on to sell over 100 million records worldwide.
Ageing and Cosmetic Choices
Simon admits he doesn't like ageing but is fine with tweakments and hair dye, though he warns against going overboard. He once kept Just For Men in business but now avoids drastic procedures. Married to supermodel Yasmin Le Bon since 1985, he relies on her style advice completely, often getting clothes from one video or photo shoot for a year.
Early Influences and Fashion Memories
Growing up in Bushey, Hertfordshire, Simon learned to sew from his mother, inspired by Viking books. He recalls sewing a CND patch onto a beanie hat and a 'super cock' patch on his arm. As a child, he loved dressing up as a cowboy, policeman, or jockey. In Duran Duran, he pioneered rolled-up jacket sleeves and headbands, inspired by bandmates Andy Taylor and Roger Taylor.
Regrets and Vocal Care
Simon laughs about his mullet haircut, calling himself 'King Mullet' until Pat Sharp and Peter Stringfellow took the crown. After tearing a vocal cord in 1993 and suffering throat ulceration, he now follows a 12-minute warm-up routine before every show, guided by speech therapist Dr Ruth Epstein. He received an MBE in 2024 and has won three Grammys, a Brit award, an MTV Moon Man, and three Ivor Novellos.
Despite his accolades, Simon remains down-to-earth, buying three pairs of joggers from George at Asda for £18 each. On swimwear, he prefers budgie smugglers, and in bed, he wears nothing.
Duran Duran headlines British Summer Time at Hyde Park, London, on July 5, with support from Nile Rodgers and Scissor Sisters.
