Simon Doonan and The Fate of Barneys Windows

Following the appointment of new CEO Mark Lee, Barneys New York recently announced a new Creative Director, Dennis Freedman, who is replacing the beloved Simon Doonan, who will take on a new role as Creative Ambassador-at-Large. While the transition has been billed as a promotion for Doonan, who will be the public face of the brand, many are up in arms over what this may mean for Barney's including the famous Barneys New York windows which Doonan has designed for 25 years. The windows, with their mix of kitsch, pop culture, humor and glamour, have set the tone for the store itself.

The new creative director, Dennis Freedman was the founding creative director as W Magazine where he worked for nearly 20 years until leaving last year. Freedman brings his own strengths to Barneys including relationships with some of the world's top photographers and artists. He also has deep interest in design and interiors. Doonan, however, will be a hard act to follow. Many bloggers have already bemoaned the potential state of the new Barneys windows. Barneys has stated that Freedman will be in charge of the windows but that Doonan will still contribute to their design. Racked NY's Frank Gargione penned an eloquent plea against changing the Barneys magic and Styleite also expressed concern. The verdict remains until Freedman really takes the helm but the response to the announcement proves just how integral Doonan's contribution has been to the Barney's brand. Some recent Barneys windows are after the jump.