The Full Report: Barneys New York = DRAMA!

The soap opera drama at Barneys is probably some of the most exciting in the fashion industry today! Why is it important? What exactly is going on? Let me break it down for you!

They NEED a reality TV show....

• September 1st, 2010: Mark Lee, former CEO of Gucci Group, officially starts as CEO of Barneys New York, who has gone almost 2 years without a president. 
• The first major shake up happens in November, with the firing of Julie Gilhart, Senior Vice President and Women's Fashion Director,  and Judy Collinson, Executive Vice President overseeing all of womenswear and Barneys.com.

Judy and Julie who are veterans at Barneys...now that is major news for the industry! Mark Lee, who is to focus on getting the business back to profitability, and entering the international market, is making some serious moves.

Judy Collionson leave's an impeccable career at Barneys. Known for her strong relationships with some of the world's most influential designers and for her incredible taste level, Judy brought a lot of talent to the forefront of retailing. She is credited with DISCOVERING Alexander Wang. How you can let someone like that go, I just don't know.

Julie Gilhart leaves being known as the voice of Barneys, personally she has been on my list of people to meet for years. The Julie-Judy combination seemed unstoppable, Julie often being out in the media promoting Barneys the way Judy would be too shy to do.

He's lucky he's gorg. Because Julie is my girl!

• His former colleague at Gucci, Daniella Vitale, succeeds Judy Collinson as Executive Vice President at the end of November.

The question now is: who is to succeed Julie Gilhart as Senior VP and Women's Fashion Director?

• The best rumors have been put to rest, Sarah Rutson will NOT be leaving Lane Crawford for the job, and neither will Virginia Smith, who was rumored to be considering leaving Vogue for the position. So for now the hunt goes on!
• HOWEVER! In the latest of scandals, Lee has appointed another former Gucci colleague, Charlotte Blechman, as Barneys’ senior vice president of Communications and Marketing. This leads to the speculation that Simon Doonan, the store’s creative director, on advertising and visual presentations, may be "let go" in May when his contract expires.

Julie Gilhart (left) at a Barneys event with Virgina Smith (right)

It is incredible to see the relationships of these people move them from one company to another, from one position to another. With experience this proves you never stop learning, and the industry is ALWAYS interesting. Keep your contacts alive and well and one day they could be reaching out to you, or hopefully you would want to hire them.

Eyes will have to be peeled for the latest Barneys headlines as Mark's reign continues to unfold. As of now his management style could be questioned and considered very ruthless, however, is that what Barneys needs after going without a head for so long? Only time and the quarterly results will be able to tell.

Mark Lee Named Barneys CEO - WWD

Barneys Said Eyeing Fashion Director - WWD

Barneys Taps Daniella Vitale - WWD

The Hunt Is Still On For Barneys - WWD