Howard Socol

>> Effective Sept. 1, Mark Lee will take the helm of Barneys as chief executive officer, a position that hasn't been filled since 2008, when Howard Socol (who held the position for seven years) resigned after apparent disagreements with Barneys parent company Istithmar over plans to open stores outside the United States.

Lee had been in negotiations for the job previously (when he stepped down as president and CEO of Gucci Group in 2008, speculation was ignited that he was Barneys-bound), and talks resumed several weeks ago, according to a person familiar with the matter. His appointment follows well-recorded struggles for the retailer: rumors surfaced of a bankruptcy filing or sale after Barneys recorded a loss last year.

What will Lee bring to the table?

Barney's CEO Howard Socol has parted ways with the beloved retailer. The industry veteran was rumored to be unhappy with the direction that the Dubai state investment fund Istithmar was taking Barneys after its August acquisition of the company from Jones Apparel Group.

Brooks Brothers is hitting the greens as clothing sponsor of the PGA's Stanford St. Jude Championship in Memphis next month, including the presentation of a championship jacket - part of its first effort to market the 190-year-old brand in national sports settings.

Liz Claiborne had a first quarter loss.

Buyers beware indeed! Specialty stores' open-to-buys might be holding steady, but at this month's Moda Manhattan and FAME trade shows, buyers reported they are looking more before making decisions.

Short people ain't got no reason to live? Well apparently Big and Tall stores are now making way for short and petite stores for men like Jimmy Au's For Men 5'8". Call it the hipster influence.