Soon after graduation, Julien Macdonald was recruited by Karl Lagerfeld to work for Chanel, a role that was accompanied with creating knitwear for Alexander McQueen. 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. He forms part of the media profile given to Welsh figures in the Cool Cymru movement. He 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. At the launch party the designer said: "As I expand into eyewear, it was important that the collection accurately embraced the design and detailing that people know and love about the Julien Macdonald fashion house. Glasses are as much a statement fashion accessory as a handbag or earrings. For me it’s about completing the picture, by having a pair of eye-catching frames to complement any outfit, and for any occasion. These are definitely not glasses to hide behind – these frames will put the wearer bang in the spotlight." ;Controversy Julien Macdonald attracted much criticism for his extensive use of fur, including one incident in which he and Paris Hilton were flour-bombed. He stated that fur provides the majority of his revenue and that his label would collapse were he not to use it. In 2017, Julien MacDonald apologized for his previous use of fur, telling Reuters, "You do not need to kill animals to wear nice clothes."
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, Macdonald was appointed as a new judge on Britain's Next Top Model, alongside new host and former supermodel, Elle Macpherson. In September 2013, MacDonald was revealed as one of the contestants on the dancing competition television show Strictly Come Dancing. Janette Manrara is his professional partner and the designer explained in a 17 September interview: "she’s the one that literally keeps me on my toes... after only two weeks of training, parts of me hurt that I didn't even know existed." The couple were eliminated in the fourth week of the competition after losing to Countdown presenter Rachel Riley. In 2018 Macdonald entered into a partnership with to create five tile ranges for the online retailer. The ranges consist of Miami Decadence, St. Barts Glamour, Las Vegas Glitz, Hollywood Shimmer and New York Luxury. All of which as still available to purchase through the site.
Awards
In June 2006, MacDonald was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to fashion. In May 2016, MacDonald was awarded the GENLUX/BRITWEEK Designer of the Year Award.
