{"id":17774,"date":"2011-01-11T06:35:05","date_gmt":"2011-01-11T14:35:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/198.46.88.49\/?p=17774"},"modified":"2011-01-11T05:35:42","modified_gmt":"2011-01-11T13:35:42","slug":"simon-doonan-out-as-barneys-creative-director-sneaky-snub-or-genius-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/198.46.88.49\/style\/fashion\/simon-doonan-out-as-barneys-creative-director-sneaky-snub-or-genius-move","title":{"rendered":"Simon Doonan Out as Barney’s Creative Director: Sneaky Snub Or Genius Move?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Barney\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s has not, however, ousted Doonan. According to a press release, Doonan will remain with the company in a new role, as Creative Ambassador at Large.<\/p>\n

$\"Simon$ <\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Mr. Doonan will continue to be a key media spokesperson for the company, will continue to contribute to special window projects, will host special events with customers and media, and will serve as roving ambassador with links to all creative and communication areas including social media,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d the release said.<\/p>\n

Initially, we thought this was a carefully masked demotion of Doonan, but it really might be a brilliant move. Creative Ambassador at Large sounds like a lesser position than creative director, much like the editor at large position at a magazine is not as prestigious as being the editor in chief. Doonan, however, is the most public figure Barney\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s has, and the luxury fashion retailer may simply be trying to create closer ties with the public by expanding Doonan\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s role as its most visible employee. When fashion retailers attempt to become more relatable to consumers, it is always commendable. We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re also very impressed that Barney\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s appears to be taking social media into consideration.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153This exciting evolution of my role at Barneys is brilliant,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Doonan was quoted as saying in the press release. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Change has always been integral to the strength and vibrancy of the Barneys brand. I am delighted to be part of this new chapter.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Brilliant, indeed, but Doonan may still be taking one for the team.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"