Barneys Brand Gets Boost From Obama

The Barneys brand now extends to the White House: Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys New York, was selected earlier this year to organize the public displays for the Obamas' first holiday season in the columned Pennsylvania Avenue mansion.

Barneys can use the increased exposure, on the heels of declaring an end to pre-holiday discounts. Working with the White House is a good way to get it; Michelle Obama's style choices have been meticulously scrutinized, not just by fashionistas, but also top political observers like David Brooks and Maureen Dowd.

Doonan -- also known for his regular New York Observer column -- is the latest in a line of celebrity decorators to make over the White House during holiday-time. During the Clinton Administration, displays were created by the creative services department of Polo Ralph Lauren.Continue reading...