Image via Fashion Squad
Sarah Rutson and Virgina Smith were the first people rumoured to have been offered the big job as fashion director at Barneys to replace Julie Gilhart. As we reported, both allegedly declined the offer leaving Taylor Tomasi Hill as the frontrunner at the moment. Barneys CEO Mark Lee is said to be desperately trying to secure the Marie Claire style and accessories editor.
As if we needed any more position changes this year, last week rumours began to circulate that the position as women's fashion director at Barney, formerly held by Julie Gilhart, would go to either Virginia Smith or Sarah Rutson. Reports alleged that Barneys' new CEO Mark Lee was still deciding whom to choose. However, Smith has since made it clear that she's not interested in the role while Rutson confirmed that, “I have no intention or plans to leave Lane Crawford."
Virginia Smith with Patrick Robinson and Alek Wek
Despite rumours late last week that Virginia Smith of Vogue and Sarah Rutson, fashion director of Lane Crawford, were up for Julie Gilhart's old job as fashion director of Barneys, it's now been confirmed that Smith is not headed to the department store. According to Fashionologie, though, there's also talk that Smith was offered the job and simply turned it down.
Smith has officially confirmed that she's staying at Vogue, but Rutson declined to comment on the issue.
Style.com caught up with Thakoon Panichgal and managed to nab the designer's diary while he was in Hong Kong.
6:30 a.m: Woke up after a restful night of sleep at the Four Seasons. Thank God, since it will be a long day today, after a very long day yesterday with four interviews and portraits. Even though it’s unseasonably chilly, I decided to go for a swim. It was really windy out; there were riptides in the pool. But once I dove in, it was perfect, and a nice start to the day.
