Simon Doonan Replaced at Barneys

Simon Doonan, the flamboyant creative director and de facto face of Barney's New York, has been ousted from his position and given the new title of creative ambassador-at-large.

According to the New York Post, Doonan was replaced by Dennis Freedman, a veteran editor at W magazine, in a move that amounts to a demotion for the evangelist of eccentric style and husband of designer Jonathan Adler.

"But fashion insiders said the switch is the latest signal that CEO Mark Lee, who took the helm of Barneys last September, is pushing aside top company vets as he looks to make over the struggling retailer according to his own vision," reported the Post.

In November, Lee abruptly dismissed Doonan associates Julie Gilhart and Judy Collinson, the fashion director and head women's clothing merchant.

Doonan said in a statement Monday that, "This exciting evolution of my role at Barneys is brilliant. Change has always been integral to the strength and vibrancy of the Barneys brand. I am delighted to be part of this new chapter."