Fashion in 50 Seconds 5/14

Barney's CEO Howard Socol has parted ways with the beloved retailer. The industry veteran was rumored to be unhappy with the direction that the Dubai state investment fund Istithmar was taking Barneys after its August acquisition of the company from Jones Apparel Group.

Brooks Brothers is hitting the greens as clothing sponsor of the PGA's Stanford St. Jude Championship in Memphis next month, including the presentation of a championship jacket - part of its first effort to market the 190-year-old brand in national sports settings.

Liz Claiborne had a first quarter loss.

Buyers beware indeed! Specialty stores' open-to-buys might be holding steady, but at this month's Moda Manhattan and FAME trade shows, buyers reported they are looking more before making decisions.

Short people ain't got no reason to live? Well apparently Big and Tall stores are now making way for short and petite stores for men like Jimmy Au's For Men 5'8". Call it the hipster influence.