Designer Keanan Duffty; Fashion meets Music, David Bowie, Sex Pistols; The University of Failure

I’m thrilled to introduce Keanan Duffty—this isn’t just an intro, it’s your VIP pass into the mind of a true blend of fashion, music, and education.

Keanan is a British-born creative powerhouse (b. 1964, Doncaster) who's been rocking stages and runways since the late ’70s

After cutting his teeth in punk and New Romantic bands like Sordid Details and Wonder Stories, he sharpened his artistic vision at Central Saint Martins before relocating to NYC in 1993 to pursue both fashion and music

In fashion, he founded his own Soho-based label in 1999, leaning into rock‑inspired, subculture-driven style—selling to heavy hitters like Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, and Bloomingdale’s . He’s styled legends like David Bowie and the Sex Pistols—and even co-created a David Bowie-inspired line for Target in 2007. Between designing for Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B., consulting with Ben Sherman, Reebok, Aveda, Dr. Martens, and launching a built‑in wardrobe show with DIY punk flair, his style ethos is nothing short of revolutionary

On the music front, he’s frontman and vocalist for Slinky Vagabond—a glam‑punk supergroup that featured Sex Pistols' Glen Matlock, Blondie's Clem Burke, and Bowie/Lennon guitarist Earl Slick—tossing his voice into iconic events and venues since the 2000s. Today Slinky Vagabond is Keanan and Fabio Fabbri.

Around academia, Keanan’s a true educator and mentor. He’s held leadership roles at Parsons, Academy of Art San Francisco, Polimoda in Florence, and now at USC’s Iovine & Young Academy—teaching fashion through the lens of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurial storytelling

He’s also a proud CFDA board member and advocate for Ukrainian designers, having orchestrated their platform at NYFW .

What ties it all together? His signature “practical sustainability” ethos—upcycling vintage Levi’s and Lee jackets, launching eco-cotton collections in the '90s, and integrating tech like CLO‑3D to slash waste

Get ready for an engaging, inspiring conversation—Keanan blends raw rock energy, design discipline, and an educator’s insight like no other. Let’s jump in!

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