Fashions tendency to promote trend is apparent through the use of "new." Sadly, and amusingly for those who could look beyond trends knows new normally indicates the beginning of an end, transitioning to "old." Curious, the first thing I did was google image Mark Lee to see what he looks like. I found a few pictures but the one below with Frida Gianni caught my eye. Frida Gianni is the current creative director for Gucci.
First thought of Mark was that he's an attractive man with a bashful smile. A slightly buzzed cut which indicates his attempt at being relevant in the fashion industry. He looks to be a man in his late forties that's aging well; Mark could pass for early to middle forties. His suits are little roomy which indicates the weighted stereotype of a back-office manager who worries more on the business than the looks; however, if anyone has seen the Arnaults and Pinaults could say otherwise, these two families and the men in them have been quoted as (Tom) Ford's followers. I digress.
Mark seems like he has good intentions, but then the article describes him as having more than 25 years in luxury and retail. I'm sure it's meant to say "luxury retail" because I'm not sure what "25 years in luxury" means, unless they are trying to paint an image of a man lounging in St. Tropez. It's also noted his experience consist of Saks, Jil Sander, and Giorgio Armani. The article also notes Istithmar World as "struggling with massive debt."
If this was intended to be a positive PR release, someone should get fired. Fashion and retail are progressing forward and not sure what someone with 25 years in luxury and retail really indicates positively for Barneys other than highlighting that Mark is an individual who has worked for 25 years. Just because one names Saks, Jil Sander, and Giorgia Armani does not highlight Mark has being more than qualify for the position. Saks is not doing well, though Mark wasn't at the recent helm, Jil Sander has lost its luster and only currently revived by Raf Simons, all not under Mark's influence and Giorgio Armani has been outdated until Gaga gave him a spot in her video and as a costume designer for her tour.
In addition, describing the parent company as struggling with massive debt, I'm not sure how much I trust their judgement on future initiative unless there's mentioning of an outside consulting firm taking over and making different judgement calls than before. I'm sure Mark Lee is qualified in managing people, and he's an attractive man, but what Barneys need is not a CEO who's main experiences are outside of technological innovation and advancements.
I would think Barneys should put its business up as a business case and turn to top university MBAs and see what ideas would come up to resolve their current funk. I just received Barneys Co-Op mailing and it's 3D. As great as it is, I'm not sure how wise it may have been cost-wise. I'm not sure how many audiences it captured or how much loyalty it built but I sure didn't care anymore or less about the ad. I actually found it annoying since the 3D glasses that came with it had no bridges so I had to hold it up to my face while I flipped through the showcase.
I'm sure Barneys has a lot of great networks and a lot of wisdom internally so another option could have been to hire someone not to connected to luxury retail, or someone who had experience beyond luxury retail to give a fresh perspective on the current business model.
What little I know of Mark Lee based on the article I read, I hope he's open-minded and more flexible with current ideas out there and not be so hung up on the traditional wisdom he's accumulated in the 25 years he's been in luxury retail industry.
Article: Barneys appoints Mark Lee as new CEO
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